Violent rifts in space: stormy weather predicted over the Black Sea, close to the Krasnodar area
A severe weather warning for heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds is currently in effect for the popular Russian resort city of Sochi, lasting until the end of 17th July. Additionally, a waterspout warning has been issued for the Black Sea coast, particularly from Djubga to Veseloe, and from Magri, due to the high probability of waterspout formation over these areas until the end of the day on 17th July.
Waterspouts, a phenomenon that occurs at sea, can be dangerous and pose a significant risk to vessels and coastal areas. They form due to the interaction of cold winds blowing from different directions that converge over warm water surfaces, causing the winds to start circulating and creating a rotating column of air. The temperature difference between the cold air and the warm sea surface, combined with wind patterns, drives their development.
During a waterspout warning, it is advisable to avoid boating or being out on open water, keep clear of the coastline and beach areas, take shelter indoors and away from windows if a waterspout moves closer to land or the coast, and stay informed about weather updates and warnings through local authorities or meteorological services to act promptly.
It is important to note that the phenomenon of waterspouts is not well understood, and predicting their exact path and intensity can be challenging. Furthermore, the danger of waterspouts at sea is expected from 17:00 to 19:00 and until the end of the day on 16th July, as well as throughout 17th July.
The warning zones for waterspouts along the Black Sea coast from Djubga to Magri, and from Magri to Veseloe, remain unchanged. The Krasnodar Center for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring has issued this warning.
In addition to the waterspout warning, flash flooding and landslides are potential hazards due to the severe weather warning in Sochi. However, there is no new information about flash flooding or landslides in any other locations.
The waterspout season in the Krasnodar region lasts from early June to late September, as reported by "Kuban News". Meteorologists advise caution and avoiding going to sea and coastal areas if weather conditions deteriorate.
[1] Waterspouts form over the Black Sea coast primarily due to the interaction of cold winds blowing from different directions that converge over warm water surfaces. This convergence causes the winds to start circulating, creating a rotating column of air. Because the water is warm, it supplies heat and moisture to the air above, which intensifies this circulation, leading to the formation of a waterspout.
- Despite the challenges in predicting the exact path and intensity of waterspouts, it is crucial to heed the weather-forecasting of local authorities or meteorological services to ensure safety, particularly during the warnings that cover the Black Sea coast from Djubga to Magri, and from Magri to Veseloe, as the phenomenon of waterspouts is not well understood.
- Watches and warnings for heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds in Sochi indicate a need for proper weather-forecasting, as these severe weather conditions could potentially trigger flash flooding and landslides, posing a significant risk to the local population and infrastructure.
