Weather is often predictable, but occasionally nature throws a curveball that leaves scientists baffled and the public in awe. This weird weather has made headlines around the world.
You may be surprised to hear these strange weather phenomena actually exist! From unexpected rainfall to unusual clouds, here are 10 of the strangest weather anomalies that are still puzzling meteorologists.
1. Blood Rain
In 2001, the southern Indian state of Kerala experienced rainfall that appeared red, startling the local population. Lab analysis showed that this red coloration was due to airborne spores from a local species of algae. Blood rain isn’t a sign of the apocalypse. This phenomenon has been observed in other parts of the world as well, often linked to desert dust mixing with water droplets.
2. Catatumbo Lightning
Are you going on vacation to Venezuela? You may be able to catch the Beacon of Maracaibo, a natural light that shows up at the mouth of the Catatumbo River for up to 160 nights a year. This weird weather is defined by storms that create continuous lightning for as long as 10 hours a night. The light is visible for miles around and has even been used to help sailors navigate the open waters.
3. Ball Lightning
Reports of ball lightning have been made for centuries worldwide. Witnesses describe these lighting balls as moving erratically before vanishing or exploding. These mysterious balls vary in size and have been seen in Russia, China, and Mexico. If it does occur, it’s usually near the ground during a thunderstorm.
4. Fish Rain
In some strange moments, the rain is reported to carry more than just water droplets. In Honduras, a small town called Yoro experiences a “rain of fish” once or twice a year, an event that has been celebrated with a festival. It’s thought that tornadoes form over water, thus lifting the fish from rivers or oceans. It looks like Sharnako may have some truth after all!
5. Brinicle
Some weird weather seems too farfetched to believe. However, a BBC documentary crew actually captured a brinicle on film in 2011. This ice stalactite forms beneath the sea when a flow of extremely cold, saline water is introduced to an area of ocean water. It can freeze everything in its path, including fish, dolphins, coral, algae, and other sea creatures.
6. Morning Glory Clouds
Do you love catching the sunrise? Maybe you’ll be lucky enough in the early hours to see morning glory clouds as well. These rare roll clouds can stretch up to 621 miles long and occur at specific times of the year in Northern Australia. These spectacular cloud formations are so incredible that they frequently attract gliders from around the world who want to ride these waves in the sky.
7. Frozen Methane Bubbles
In colder regions, lakes can freeze over with bubbles trapped beneath the surface. These bubbles are made of methane gas, released by decomposing organic matter at the bottom. When they freeze before reaching the surface, they create a stunning visual of suspended animation in ice.
8. Fire Whirls
Also known as fire tornadoes, these terrifying twisters start within active wildfires. The intense heat and turbulent wind conditions combine, forming a lethal tornado made of flames. Fire whirls can uproot trees, tear roofs off buildings, and hurl embers across wide areas.
9. Haboobs
Massive dust storms, known as haboobs, frequently occur in dryland areas around the world. These walls of dust can rise up to 5,000 feet high and travel at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour, engulfing everything in their path in a dense fog of sand.
10. Snow Donuts
While this sounds like a delicious dessert, this strange weather phenomenon is actually real. Snow donuts are shaped by strong winds, which roll the snow across open areas, kind of like making a snowman. Conditions have to be just right. The snow must be sticky, and the ground underneath must be icy and sloped.
Weird Weather
No umbrella can prepare you for fish or blood rain. It’s hard to hide from a fire whirl or haboob. While these strange weather events may be rare, their occurrences are reminders of the complex, mysterious workings of our atmosphere. Earth is full of surprises.
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.