GORGEOUS SHELF CLOUD OBSERVED OVER THE NETHERLANDS! (credit: Meteo Europe)

DISCUSSION: As strong thunderstorms erupted to the east of the strengthening low-pressure system across parts of Western Europe this afternoon and evening, some of the storms formed in regions of locally high temperature contrast (i.e., due to the combination of strong warm air advection to the east of the low-pressure center and cold air advection to the west of the low-pressure center).  As strong thunderstorms formed in the warm front sector near part of this strengthening temperature gradient, very impressive shelf clouds formed in association with these thunderstorms.  Shelf clouds form as a result of quickly moving warm air being lifted up and over cooler air advancing ahead of the leading edge of a strong to severe thunderstorm.  This process leads to the rapid condensation of low-to-mid level moisture; favoring the formation of cloud phenomena including but not limited to shelf clouds!  Attached below is an absolutely classic example of this process occurring over western portions of the Netherlands earlier today.  To learn more about other high-impact weather events across Europe, be sure to click here!