THEWEATHERMOGIL:: Fair weather funnel for Naples, FL

H. Michael Mogil June 23, 2016

Typically seen in high wind shear environments, “fair weather” funnels are awesome things to encounter. They usually form through vortex stretching, are always short-lived, and shouldn’t ever touch the ground. They also form during “benign” weather scenarios.

Yesterday, I caught one, totally by accident (as is usually the case). I was observing the southwest Florida sea breeze (Fig. 1), which is marked by a distinct cloud-no-cloud boundary. The cloud-free zone is closest to the water (image was taken facing southwest).

Then, I glanced up as the boundary oscillated overhead and saw a laminar tube-like shape within the overall puffy to ragged clouds. That visible difference in cloud shape is what caused me to think about something unusual. I quickly grabbed several pictures (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, shown here) and then, as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.

If you haven’t seen a “fair weather” funnel yet, then keep an eye to the sky. Those funnels are out there!

Originally posted 6/23/16

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