Awe-inspiring weather photos from 2024, surpassing belief and leaving you speechless!
In a year filled with extraordinary meteorological displays, one of the most breathtaking phenomena to captivate the world was the appearance of cloud cascades, or tsunamis of fog, across various continents.
These atmospheric events, while not formally recognised as scientific terms, are described as rare occurrences where fog or clouds move rapidly and dramatically, often in a rolling or wave-like motion. The visual effect can resemble a series of rolling waves, creating a spectacle that resembles a tsunami but occurs in the atmosphere rather than the ocean.
### The Science Behind Cloud Cascades
The formation of these atmospheric wonders is rooted in specific atmospheric conditions. When there is a significant temperature difference between the air close to the ground and the air above it, the air near the surface can cool and become saturated with moisture, leading to fog formation. The movement of fog can be influenced by wind patterns and terrain, causing it to move in unusual ways, creating the illusion of a wave-like motion.
The formation of fog requires high humidity and cooling of the air. When moist air cools to its dew point, the water vapor condenses into small droplets, creating fog. This process can happen rapidly if the air is cooled quickly, such as over a cool surface or as it rises over terrain.
### A Year of Astonishing Weather Phenomena
From extraordinary fog waves to mind-boggling supercells, 2024 has been a remarkable year for meteorological displays. In September, an incredible supercell storm resembling an alien mothership swept across Oklahoma, producing hailstones of giant proportions. A lasso tornado was observed in Iowa, USA, last April, signifying the end stage of a tornado's lifecycle.
The weather in 2024 unleashed its full force, leaving behind devastation but also astonishing imagery. Over 7.8 inches of rainfall within two days in certain regions of the Sahara Desert in October led to flash floods and temporary lakes forming in the desert. A mesmerizing arcus cloud formation was filmed along the Basque shorelines just prior to Storm Kirk's arrival in early October off France's western coast.
In a small town in Doubs, Jura region, on November 3, 2024, a captivating tsunami of fog, or cloud cascade, was filmed. This visual spectacle, while not a recognised meteorological term, is a testament to the awe-inspiring power and beauty of our planet's weather.
To forecast the occurrence of such remarkable cloud cascades in the future, weather-forecasting models can analyze the specific atmospheric conditions that lead to their formation, such as extreme temperature differences and high humidity. Sustainability practices, like preserving and restoring natural landscapes, may also play a role in fostering conditions conducive to these atmospheric wonders, contributing to the overall beauty and diversity of our planet's weather.
