Old Video From Ukraine Going Viral As A Shelf Cloud Formation In Gurugram, Haryana.

Recently, a video of a shelf cloud formation went viral on social media claiming it was seen in Gurugram on 2 September 2025. 

Instagram Link | Archived Link.

However, as we investigated, we learned that the claim was false. The video is old and not even from India. Here’s the fact check.

Fact Check 

We started our investigation by taking screenshots from the viral video and conducting a reverse image search. This led us to a YouTube channel where a longer version of the video was uploaded on 20 August 2021.

According to the description and caption, the video is from Lviv, Ukraine.

Taking this clue, we conducted a relevant keyword search which led us to a verified YouTube channel ZAXID.NET where the longer version of the viral video was uploaded on 17 August 2021. The description of the video read, “On the morning of Tuesday, August 17, a rain cloud moved over Lviv, causing a severe thunderstorm. As weather forecaster Natalka Didenko told ZAXID.NET, this cloud is likely a subspecies of cumulonimbus clouds – a “thunder collar”. Cumulonimbus clouds occur more often in Ukraine, but the “thunder collar” phenomenon is a rarity.”

Moving forward, we found the video uploaded on the Facebook page of India Today on 12 September 2021. The description of the video reads, “Unbelievable shelf clouds rolling in over Lviv, Ukraine. Dmytro Shvets shared this spectacular video on Instagram.

So, what is a shelf cloud? A shelf cloud, also known as an arcus cloud, forms at the leading edge of thunderstorms. It is formed when the cooler air of a thunderstorm encounters warm, humid air and lifts it. It announces the arrival of storms. If you see a shelf cloud coming your away, it probably means you are about to get hit by a strong thunderstorm.”

Other reports can be seen here and here.

The video was originally uploaded by a resident of Lviv, Dmytro Shvets, on his Facebook page on 17 August 2021.

This makes it clear that the viral video is from Lviv, Ukraine.

Conclusion 

From our investigation, we can say that the claim is false. The viral video of a shelf cloud is not a recent video from Gurugram, Haryana. The video is from Lviv, Ukraine where this phenomenon occurred on 17 August 2021.