Every year on March 23, the World Meteorology Day is observed to recognize the significance of weather and climate in our daily lives.
From forecasting extreme climatic events like hurricane to understanding climate change, meteorology plays an important role in shaping our planet’s future. We are somewhat familiar with thunderstorms, hurricanes, and snowfall, but our planet is home to some truly bizarre and breathtaking meteorological phenomena that defy predictions and expectations. Let’s discuss some of the most unusual weather occurrences acroy the globe.
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Imagine a lightning storm that never ends! Shocking, right? In the Catatumbo area of Venezuela, the unique phenomenon called Catatumbo Lightning takes place. Here, intense lightning storms rage for approximately 260 nights a year to produce an astonishing 1.2 million lightning strikes every year. This natural light show is promoted by warm winds from Lake Maracaibo meeting cold air masses from the Andes Mountains, creating an almost continuous occurance of thunderstorm. The ultimate result is a dazzling spectacle “The Everlasting Storm.”
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Rain is generally clear, but in several parts of the world, it falls in the shades of red, yellow, or even black. This rare occurrence is known as Blood Rain. This rare phenomenon has been reported in regions like Kerala, India, and parts of Europe. Experts have found out that the red colour is due to the presence of airborne spores of algae or desert dust carried over long distances.
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Imagine what will happen if strong winds meet wildfire heat! The outcome is a terrifying yet mesmerizing fire tornado or fire whirl. These can occur when flames create intense updrafts, spinning into fiery columns that can reach upto 2,000°F (1,093°C) and travel at high speeds. Australia and California have witnessed some of the most extreme fire tornadoes reported till date.
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Cloud formations can be astonishing, but few compare to the Morning Glory Cloud observed in Burketown, Australia. This extremely rare weather phenomenon comprises of long, tube-shaped clouds stretching more than 1,000 kilometers across the sky. Generally happening in September and October, this event attracts pilots and weather enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the way these clouds roll through the sky provide them a striking resemblance to a rolling ocean wave.
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There is a river which is hot enough to boil animals alive! Sounds like a fantasy novel, right? But such a river exists in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. The Shanay-Timpishka or the Boiling River, reaches temperatures of up to 93°C (200°F). It was initially perceived as a myth, but gradually scientists found out that underground geothermal activity heats the water, creating this phenomenon.
Ever observed a blue or pink moon? These rare occurrences happen due to dust or volcanic ash scattering light. Similarly, blood-red sunsets are observed after massive wildfires or any volcanic eruptions, as the atmosphere is filled with fine particles, leaving only the warm hues.
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The extreme cold of polar regions give rise to delicate and icy structures known as Frost Flowers form on the surface of the sea. These flower-like ice formations occur when the sea ice is much cooler than the surrounding air, causing the ambient moisture to freeze instantly into these beautiful crystalline structures. Despite the look, these natural structures provide a habitat for several unique bacteria to survive in extreme conditions.
Not only weather forecasting, but World Meteorology Day also reminds us of the sheer beauty of nature. While affecting our lives in practical ways, they surprise us with phenomena that feel supernatural. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the extraordinary weather events that make our planet so mesmerizing.
