Overview:

Catatumbo Lightning - Zulia State in Venezuela is a spectacular natural phenomenon caused by the interaction between warm, moist air from the Caribbean Sea and cold air from the Andes Mountains. It is characterized by almost continuous lightning storms that occur over the Catatumbo River, where it empties into Lake Maracaibo. The storms can last up to 10 hours a night, occurring up to 260 nights a year. They are most visible during the wet season, from June to mid-November. During this period, the lightning flashes can reach up to 280 times per hour, lighting up the night sky with a bright and colorful light show. The storms can be seen up to 160 kms away and are regarded as one of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Venezuela
Prominent Features:

Catatumbo lightning (known locally as the relámpago del Catatumbo) is a unique and dazzling phenomenon, nicknamed the “everlasting storm” due to its near-constant storm activity. It occurs in the Catatumbo region of Zulia State in northwestern Venezuela. The lightning often streaks across clear storm skies for hours at a time, appearing over Lake Maracaibo up to 280 days of the year, usually from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The phenomenon’s estimated 1.2 million lightning strikes per year are among the highest lightning rates in the world, and it has been estimated that as much as 40% of the total lightning strikes in Venezuela occur in this particular region. The lightning has earned its nickname of the "everlasting storm" since it can last from 30 minutes to 10 hours per night for up to nine months of the year. The real cause behind this unique and awe-inspiring phenomenon remains a mystery, with some experts suggesting that the intense winds, warm water from the lake, and variations between day and night temperatures are responsible in some part. Others have proposed that the unique shape of the Lake Maracaibo basin leads to unique weather patterns. This national monument of Venezuela portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Catatumbo lightning is a spectacular meteorological phenomenon which occurs in the environs of Lake Maracaibo in the north of the Zulia State in Venezuela, in South America. The phenomenon derives its name from the Catatumbo River which flows into Lake Maracaibo where the storms occur. The history of Catatumbo lightning dates back to the Spanish colonization in the 16th century. When the Spanish arrived in Venezuela, they observed the strange phenomenon and named it “The Beacon of Maracaibo.” This phenomenon has struck fear among the natives who felt its wrath as they were unable to understand its implications. According to local folklore, the Catatumbo lightning and its fierce thunderstorms were caused by the Great God Makunaima. Makunaima was a powerful god believed to control nature and he punished scheming people with a terrible storm. Scientific exploration on the Catatumbo lightning began in the 18th century. By the late 19th century, numerous scientists have studied the phenomena and made their findings known. It was believed that the Catatumbo lightning was caused by hot and cold winds that blow through the area, creating a uniquely diverse atmosphere. The cold winds from the Andes have a large pressure difference when reinforced by hot winds from the Caribbean, creating thunder storms that are capable of producing bright flashes. In 2011, the Golden Eagle of Catatumbo was declared a National Natural Monument due to its exceptional environmental importance. Today, the Catatumbo lightning remains an enigmatic wonder of nature as tourists from around the globe visit the area to gaze at its beautiful flashes of light. You must visit one of these historical places in Venezuela on your Venezuela tour

Interesting facts:

1. Catatumbo lightning is a unique phenomenon that occurs 140 to 160 nights a year at the mouth of the Catatumbo River, in the Maracaibo Lake basin, Zulia state in Venezuela. 2. The storm lasts up to 10 hours per day and produces an average of 280 lightning strokes per hour - around 4 million flashes every year. 3. Catatumbo lightning is one of the brightest storms in the world and can be seen up to 400 km away from its location. 4. The lightning intensity is so strong that it illuminates the entire sky around it, resembling a "river of fire". 5. This phenomenon was even used in the 19th century as a navigational tool by sailors looking for their way to the Maracaibo Lake. 6. The cause of Catatumbo lightning is a perfect mix of lake and ocean breezes, humid low-altitude air, and the right temperature for low-level electric charges in the atmosphere. 7. Researchers believe also that the oil exploitation at the basin of Maracaibo Lake is a factor that increases the intensity of lightning in this area. 8. Catatumbo lightning has been recently declared as Venezuela Natural Heritage in a declaration of the government of Zulia state. Visit one of the famous monuments of Venezuela with your friends and family.