Summer is here and all you have to do is go outside and feel the heat. So it’s the perfect time to cool off and take a dip. However, it seems that, along with the warnings about the high temperatures, the last few days have also been marked by meteorological phenomena, one of them rare.
From a rolling cloud to a sudden storm (in Mirandela), these episodes were recorded in the central and northern regions of Portugal. On social media, several users shared images and videos of these unexpected moments, and the coastal phenomenon was echoed across borders.
Rolling cloud: ‘tsunami’ in Portuguese skies
June ended with a rare phenomenon that hadn’t been seen in Portugal for almost 20 years – the roll cloud. From Figueira da Foz to Esposende, there are reports of a kind of aerial ‘tsunami’, which even scared some bathers.
What is the roll cloud anyway? According to climatologist Mário Marques, quoted by CNN Portugal, this atmospheric structure – scientifically known as a volutus – is the result of a rare set of meteorological conditions. Its formation depends on very specific factors, which create the ideal scenario for this tubular, horizontal cloud to develop in the sky.
According to the same source, a sharp thermal contrast is needed between the Atlantic Ocean (with temperatures between 17-18ºC) and the continental air (around 40ºC). As a result of this difference, a barrier of warm air is created near the sea, which, when it collides with the sea breeze, leads to the appearance of the roll cloud.
Sudden storm in Mirandela
While on the one hand the coast was affected by a roll cloud that created a visual effect similar to a ‘tsunami’, on the other hand, the interior, more specifically Mirandela (Bragança district) was hit by a sudden storm that left a trail of destruction in its wake.
This meteorological phenomenon took place at around 6pm on Tuesday, July 1st. In just 15 minutes, strong winds, accompanied by heavy rain and hail, brought down trees and electricity pylons, as well as destroying roofs and agricultural crops.
Images were also shared on social media to illustrate the strength of the sudden storm. These two meteorological phenomena are a ‘wake-up call’ to the growing volatility of the climate and an invitation to discover the mysteries of the atmosphere!
Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook,Instagram and now also on WhatsApp!
