Funnel cloud over city causes excitement online
A finger-shaped cloud formation has caused a flurry of excitement online.
Amateur photographers took to social media to report they had spotted a tornado in Peterborough on Friday afternoon.
But Weatherquest meteorologist and BBC forecaster Dan Holley advised it was likely to have been a funnel cloud.
He said: "They are quite common in slack, humid setups in the spring and summer months, as was the case yesterday."
Rob Grimwood posted an image on social network X with the caption: "Tornado west of Peterborough."
Another user wrote: "Another sighting of the Peterborough Tornado!"
But Mr Holly said: "Unless there was an obvious circulation on the ground, or the condensation funnel extended down to the ground, then usually it would be classified as a funnel cloud."
What is a funnel cloud?
The Met Office describes a funnel cloud as a cone-shaped formation, which extends from the base of a cloud towards the ground without actually reaching the surface.
They are formed when light and variable winds converge, causing spin in the lower levels of the atmosphere.
The rotating column of wind draws in cloud droplets, making a region of intense low pressure visible.
They are called tornados when they touch the ground and water spouts when they touch water.
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