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Viral “Shelf Cloud” Video from Haridwar Circulating with False 2025 Date
A dramatic video showing a massive shelf cloud formation over Haridwar has resurfaced on social media with misleading claims about its timing. An investigation by Vishvas News has confirmed that the footage, which shows an impressive arcus cloud formation, is actually from July 2023 and not from December 2025 as claimed in viral posts.
The video gained renewed attention after Instagram user suraj_y1407 shared it with the alarming caption, “This is a video from Haridwar road, just now. 18/12/2025. The world is really going to end.” The post has since generated significant engagement, with many viewers expressing concern about the ominous-looking weather phenomenon.
Fact-checkers at Vishvas News conducted a thorough investigation using reverse image search tools including Google Lens. Their findings revealed that the footage was originally published by several reputable news outlets, including Business Standard, ABP Live, and NDTV, in July 2023. The Business Standard’s YouTube channel had uploaded the video on July 12, 2023, specifically identifying it as a shelf cloud formation observed near Haridwar on July 11 of that year.
For additional verification, Vishvas News contacted Sunil Negi, Uttarakhand Digital Head of Dainik Jagran, who confirmed that the footage indeed dated back to July 2023. A comprehensive search of recent news coverage found no reports of similar cloud formations in the Haridwar region in recent months.
The Instagram account that shared the video has approximately 4,000 followers, giving it a substantial platform to spread misinformation. This type of misleading content, where old footage is presented as new with apocalyptic overtones, is increasingly common on social media platforms.
Shelf clouds, or arcus clouds as they’re known scientifically, are natural weather phenomena that often precede thunderstorms. While impressive and sometimes intimidating in appearance, they are well-understood meteorological events. These low, horizontal cloud formations typically appear at the leading edge of a thunderstorm system and can create dramatic visual effects as they roll across the sky.
This incident highlights a growing trend of weather-related misinformation on social media, where unusual but natural phenomena are presented out of context or with exaggerated claims. Climate and weather misinformation has become increasingly common, with old videos frequently recirculated during extreme weather events or with misleading dates to suggest unusual patterns.
Social media platforms continue to struggle with the rapid spread of such misinformation. While some platforms have implemented fact-checking measures, the speed at which visual content can be shared often outpaces verification efforts.
Experts recommend that users verify dramatic weather footage through official meteorological sources or established news outlets before sharing, particularly when posts contain alarming claims or suggest unprecedented events. Simple verification steps, such as searching for news coverage of the alleged event or checking the posting history of accounts sharing such content, can help reduce the spread of weather-related misinformation.
The shelf cloud video from Haridwar, while genuinely impressive, serves as a reminder of the importance of digital literacy and source verification in an era of easily manipulated and repurposed visual content.
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16 Comments
Interesting to learn this viral shelf cloud video is from last July, not the future. I wonder if the region sees these types of dramatic arcus cloud formations more frequently. Would be curious to know if there are any local meteorological factors that contribute to their formation there.
That’s a good point. The geography and climate of the Haridwar area may play a role in creating the right conditions for these kinds of shelf cloud events. Understanding the local weather patterns could shed some light on why they seem to occur there more often.
Shelf clouds can be quite a sight, but I’m not surprised this one wasn’t from the future. Those types of apocalyptic weather claims often turn out to be unfounded. Still, it’s a visually striking natural phenomenon to observe.
Agreed. While dramatic shelf clouds can seem ominous, they’re actually a fairly common occurrence in certain weather patterns. Good to see the authorities setting the record straight on the timing of this particular event.
Shelf clouds can be quite a sight, but it’s important to keep things in perspective and not jump to unfounded conclusions. Glad the authorities were able to confirm the actual timeline for this viral video from Haridwar. Fact-checking and providing the proper context is crucial to avoid the spread of misinformation, even unintentionally.
Absolutely. While dramatic weather footage can be eye-catching, it’s critical to verify the details before drawing any larger conclusions. Maintaining a level-headed, scientific approach to reporting on these kinds of natural phenomena helps ensure accuracy and builds trust in the information.
Fascinating video of that shelf cloud formation over Haridwar. Impressive to see such a massive, dramatic arcus cloud. I wonder what meteorological conditions led to its formation in that region.
Yes, the scale and power of that shelf cloud is really quite striking. I’d be curious to learn more about the specific weather patterns and atmospheric factors that produced such an imposing cloud formation.
Shelf clouds can be quite a spectacular sight, but it’s important not to jump to conclusions about their meaning or timing. Good on the officials for clarifying the facts around this particular viral video. Helps maintain trust in reporting on weather events.
Absolutely. Verifying the details is crucial, especially for eye-catching weather footage that could be misconstrued. Fact-checking and setting the record straight helps avoid the spread of misinformation, which is so important these days.
Interesting to learn this dramatic shelf cloud video is from last July, not the future as some had claimed. I wonder if the Haridwar region sees these types of arcus cloud formations more frequently due to its geography and climate. Would be curious to know more about the local weather patterns that contribute to their formation.
That’s a great point. Understanding the specific meteorological factors at play in a region can provide helpful context for interpreting these kinds of weather events. Digging into the local climate and geography could shed light on why shelf clouds seem to occur more often in certain areas.
While dramatic shelf clouds can be visually stunning, it’s wise to be cautious about sensational claims around them. Glad the authorities were able to confirm the actual timeline for this video from Haridwar. Helps keep the focus on the meteorological realities rather than unfounded speculation.
Yes, maintaining that factual, scientific perspective is key. Flashy weather footage can be attention-grabbing, but responsible reporting and verification of details is so important to prevent the spread of misinformation, even unintentionally.
Good to see the officials clarifying that this viral video is actually from July 2023, not December 2025 as some had claimed. It’s important to fact-check these kinds of sensationalized weather posts before sharing them further.
Absolutely. Fact-checking is crucial, especially for dramatic weather footage that can easily be taken out of context or misconstrued. I’m glad the authorities were able to verify the actual timeline here.