3Catatumbo Lightning, Venezuela

The Catatumbo Lightning is one of the most intense and continuous lightning storms in the world. Occurring at the mouth of the Catatumbo River in Venezuela, this natural phenomenon can produce up to 280 lightning strikes per hour, lighting up the night sky for around 140 to 160 nights a year. The storm is so consistent that it has been called the “Lighthouse of Maracaibo.”

This rare atmospheric event is caused by a combination of air currents, moisture, and geographical conditions in the area. Watching the sky crackle with lightning, illuminating the clouds and water below, is a mesmerizing and powerful experience. The Catatumbo Lightning serves as a dramatic reminder of the forces of nature at play in our atmosphere.