A cold core funnel cloud, also known as a cold-air funnel, is a funnel cloud, and in rare cases a weak tornado, that develops from a small shower or thunderstorm when the air aloft is unusually cold. These funnels are generally weaker than those associated with supercell thunderstorms.
Characteristics of Cold Core Funnel Clouds
Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics:
- Formation: They form under specific atmospheric conditions. The presence of unusually cold air aloft is a crucial factor.
- Associated Weather: Typically develop from small showers or thunderstorms.
- Strength: These funnels are generally weak. While they are usually just funnel clouds, they can occasionally become small, relatively weak tornadoes.
- Alternative Name: They are also known as "cold-air funnels."
Definition Explained
According to the definition:
Cold-air funnel: A funnel cloud or (rarely) a small, relatively weak tornado that can develop from a small shower or thunderstorm when the air aloft is unusually cold.
This definition highlights the key aspects: the type of cloud, the potential for a tornado, the weather conditions in which it forms, and its relative strength.
