How do funnel clouds form?

Funnel clouds in the UK and Ireland are often seen each summer, but do you know what causes them?

These cone-shaped clouds typically form with cumulonimbus clouds as a host, bringing wet, windy, and generally miserable weather with them.

The factors needed for their formation are like those of tornadoes. Rotating columns of wind capture water droplets that form around an area of intense low pressure. Whenever a funnel cloud touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.

While funnel clouds are uncommon, they are not particularly rare, especially in the summer when warm and humid weather helps fuel their development.

In fact, tornadoes may occur more often in the UK than you think, with an average of 30-35 confirmed tornadoes touching down each year.

Unlike those seen elsewhere, these are typically far too small and weak to inflict considerable damage, and many disappear without being noticed.