18th February, 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo boasts a spectacular natural phenomenon. It's where lightning seems to rage constantly, earning it the nickname "The Everlasting Storm."
The Facts: ● Location: Where the Catatumbo River empties into Lake Maracaibo, there's a unique convergence of geography and climate. ● Frequency: On average, it storms from 140 to 160 nights annually. ● Intensity: Lightning flashes multiple times a minute for hours on storm nights. ● World Record Holder: Catatumbo holds the Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of lightning strikes.
● Heat + Moisture = Fuel: Warm air rising off the Caribbean mixes cool air from the Andes Mountains. Lake Maracaibo's swampy surroundings add plenty of moisture to the mix. ● Mountain Trap: This air gets forced upwards at high speeds, creating ideal conditions for supercharged thunderstorms.
● Natural Ozone Generator: Catatumbo lightning might be one of the planet's largest regenerators of atmospheric ozone. ● Navigation Landmark: This "Beacon of Maracaibo" was a guiding light for sailors for centuries.
● While frequent, the storms are seasonal, with peaks in May and October. ● Viewing this phenomenon usually requires boat tours from villages on Lake Maracaibo for safe distances. ● Respect the lightning's power! Storms on the lake can become dangerous very quickly.