Cold Air Funnels

Some funnel clouds were sighted today.  We weren't under normal severe weather and tornadic conditions today so why were these funnels forming?

Radar from earlier when the Tornado Warning
was issued. 
Image: Plymouth State University

These funnels are actually called Cold Air Funnels and form when there is very cold air aloft, and a low pressure system in the area.  They are usually short-lived and form from weak showers/storms.  They can touch down briefly but usually are very weak and produce little to no damage.

18 Z HPC Surface Analysis.
Notice the low situated over the OH, PA border.

Today's weather has created a favorable environment for  cold air funnels to develop.  With cold air aloft moving in from the north, and a low pressure system situated just over our area, this allowed for some thunderstorms to develop and for some cold air funnels to also be formed.  The location of the low pressure system is key because this is what helps create the "spin" in the atmosphere and for funnels to develop off of it.