This never-ending lightning storm has ravaged the Venezuelan skies as long as anyone can remember.
Massive lightning storms over the Catatumbo Delta encompass the skies for ten hours every night in the same place for nearly three quarters of the year.
The phenomenon is considered one of the great natural wonders of the world and is often referred to as the world’s most perfect storm. The lightning occurs only in the skies above where the Catatumbo River empties into Lake Maracaibo in the state of Zulia, Venezuela. The lightning can last for ten hours at a time at an average of 28 strikes per minute producing up to 3,600 bolts per hour — up to 300 days per year!
The cause of this vibrant, powerful lightning is a result of warm air masses flowing across the Maracaibo basin from the Caribbean colliding with the cold winds sweeping down from the encapsulating Andes Mountains.
The conversion of these jet streams combines with evaporated moisture off of the lake, resulting in the ultimate thunderstorm conditions. Natural area methane concentrations seeping out of the ground into the air increase conductivity, adding to the intensity of the phenomena.
In addition to being beautiful, this unique lightning storm produces more atmospheric ozone than any other source. Its beneficial impacts on the ecosystem attribute to the campaign for the storm to be named the first ‘UNESCO World Heritage Weather Phenomenon’.
The storm’s historical contribution is clearly outlined by its inclusion in the flag and coat of arms of the state of Zulia. This extraordinary wonder cannot be compared to anywhere else on earth and remains one of nature’s most beloved mysteries.
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