Roll Cloud 2025

A roll cloud is a rare, low, horizontal, tube-shaped arcus cloud that forms along the leading edge of thunderstorm outflows or cold fronts. Read more about Roll Cloud, Altitude Range, Regions, Weather Conditions.

About Roll Cloud

• A roll cloud is a low, horizontal, tube-shaped, and relatively rare type of arcus cloud. 

• Roll clouds usually appear to be “rolling” about a horizontal axis. 

• They usually appear at an altitude of 2,000 to 7,000 meters, and continue to curl visibly. 

• They are more often seen in areas with complex terrain and changeable weather—both in the mountains and on the coasts of the oceans. For example, in the Alps, around Japan, Scotland, and northern Australia.

• During severe weather, roll clouds can be confused with funnel clouds, as the roll cloud will show clear signs of rotation along the horizontal and vertical axes, like a tornado.

• Roll clouds are helpful to meteorologists because their appearance sometimes heralds bad weather—strong winds, thunderstorms, storms, or even tornadoes. 

• A sharp, rapid roll of clouds can indicate a storm is about to intensify, while a smooth movement can mean calmer weather.

• Along the edge of a thunderstorm, they can serve as a precursor to more active and serious weather in the immediate future.

What is an Arcus Cloud?

• An arcus cloud is a low, horizontal cloud formation that typically forms along the leading edge of a thunderstorm outflow or cold front. 

• There are two main types of arcus clouds: Shelf Cloud and Roll Cloud.

• Roll clouds and shelf clouds are found near the leading edge of thunderstorms and form when relatively cool air, from the storm’s downdraft, forges ahead into the warm, moist air that’s feeding the storm. 

• The main difference between roll clouds and shelf clouds (both are called arcus clouds) is that a roll cloud is detached from the parent thunderstorm, whereas a shelf cloud is affixed to the base of a cumulonimbus cloud.