Relampago del Catatumbo, Venezuela

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Time for another language lesson - this time in Spanish. Relampago is the Spanish word for lightning and the Relampago del Catatumbo is one of the most incredible natural weather phenomena in the world. Where the Catatumbo River flows into Lake Maracaibo there is a lightning storm that has been occurring continuously for centuries. First referenced by the poet Lope de Vega in 1597, the Catatumbo lightning storm shows up in the exact same location between 140-240 nights per year, 10 hours per day, with up to 280 lightning strikes per hour. That's a total of over 700,000 lightning strikes per year!

While the ultimate cause of the storms is in some debate, most scientists agree that it is most likely a result of the unique topography of the region. High winds blow across Lake Maracaibo before meeting mountain ranges on three sides resulting in a low pressure pocket of air. Combined with the high temperature variance of the area, this spot becomes an ideal location for localized thunderstorms. There have even been some scientists that suggest a major cause of the storms is the high volume of natural methane that is stored underneath and surrounding the lake, while others point to a high uranium content as the source. Whatever the cause, the frequency and intensity of the Catatumbo lightning is unique to this single part of the world. In fact, these storms are estimated by several sources to be the single largest producer of tropospheric ozone on Earth.

The shores of Lake Maracaibo.  Source: Wikimedia Commons

 The lightning storms of Catatumbo are so frequent in this area that they have become a part of life for the residents.  According to legend, the lightning has even played a part in multiple maritime battles. In the late 16th century, the lightning is said to have given away the position of the ships of Sir Francis Drake as he was attempting to take over the city of Maracaibo. Then in 1823 the storms reportedly helped José Prudencio Padilla guide his fleet to victory over the Spanish Navy in the Venezuelan War of Independence. These events have caused the storms to become known as the "Lighthouse of Maracaibo" as they guide the ships along the lake.

State flag of Zulia, Venezuela featuring a lightning bolt.  Source: Wikimedia Commons

 Unfortunately for you and I, seeing the Catatumbo storms in person is a somewhat difficult task. The western shores of Lake Maracaibo sit ~60 miles from the Venezuelan/Colombian border which means that the area is known as a refuge for drug-traffickers and many armed gangs. Even the lake itself is said to be dangerous after nightfall. However, for those still wanting to make the trip, it is suggested that you fly into and stay in the city of Maracaibo. The storm is said to be visible from over 400km away and the city of Maracaibo is only 100 miles away as the crow flies. Staying in the city will be a safer and more enjoyable experience than making the ~8 hour drive around the lake through drug-trafficking territory.  All-in-all the Catatumbo lightning is still an experience worth the price of admission.