For those of us who enjoy seeing lightning and hearing thunder, as well as the approaching Cumulonimbus clouds as they develop, thunderstorms are some of the most spectacular events that occur. However, not everyone enjoys these meteorological events equally. Some people enjoy these phenomena more, especially those who live in the stormy places in the world.
Catatumbo lightning (Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela)
In the northwestern region of Venezuela, in a small town between the Catatumbo River and the Maracaibo lake, a unique natural phenomenon occurs known as the Catatumbo lightningThis atmospheric phenomenon has an astonishing frequency: you can enjoy this spectacle until 260 times a year, which can last up to 10 hours in a single night. Furthermore, the electrical activity can be impressive, as it can generate up to 60 downloads per minute.
Lightning forms due to the convergence of trade winds, which, when interacting with the surrounding mountain range, generate highly developed clouds and, therefore, intense thunderstorms. The climate of this region is favored by the heat radiated by the lake and the nighttime cooling of the land, creating perfect conditions for the generation of thunderstorms. If you’d like to learn more about other natural phenomena, consult our list of most devastating natural disasters.
Bogor (Java Island, Indonesia)
Located near a large volcano, the city of Bogor, on Java Island, Indonesia, is another of the stormiest places in the world. With an impressive record of 322 stormy days a yearThis place becomes a paradise for storm lovers. Although most storms occur over the volcano, the city itself experiences notable electrical activity, making it an incredible destination for observing meteorological phenomena. The geography of the region, along with the combination of humidity and warm temperatures, contribute to the frequency of storm events in this area. If you’re interested in… the effects of thunderstorms, do not hesitate to read about the effects of sandstorms.
Storms are often the result of the interaction between rising warm air and descending cooler air from the volcano.
Congo Basin (Africa)
In the city of GrandmaIn the Republic of Congo, residents can enjoy up to 228 storms per year. Although this number is lower than Bogor’s, it is still significantly higher than the number of thunderstorms experienced by many other regions of the world. Compared to Spain, where thunderstorm frequency varies between 10 and 40 days a year depending on the location, the Congo Basin happens to be a place where thunderstorms are a common routine, making it one of the stormy places in the worldTo learn more about other weather phenomena, consult our curiosities about storms.
