A waterspout was spotted this Friday afternoon from the west of Havana, astonishing those who witnessed the meteorological phenomenon.
The incident occurred around 4:50 p.m. and could be clearly seen from the Santa Fe area, in the Playa municipality.
The image was captured by the meteorologist Frank Fernández Castañeda and shared on social media.
The event, also known as "rabo de nube," was identified as a waterspout aloft, a formation similar to a waterspout or a tornado, but that does not touch down.
According to meteorological reports, the phenomenon originated in the area of Bauta, in the province of Artemisa, south of the Cuban capital. Although the funnel did not make contact with the ground, it was notably visible from several points in the city.
Specialists explain that funnel clouds at altitude occur under unstable atmospheric conditions, with strong updrafts that promote the formation of suspended funnel-shaped clouds.
These formations typically do not pose a direct threat unless they develop into tornadoes, although they are an indication of increasing convective activity in the region.
In recent years, Cuba has experienced an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events, particularly in the western part of the country.
The most notable case was the powerful tornado that struck Havana in January 2019, causing significant damage and marking a wake-up call regarding changes in the island's weather patterns.
So far, the meteorological authorities have not issued any alerts or reported any impacts resulting from this waterspout.
However, the population remains alert for new updates due to the possibility of severe weather conditions associated with the Caribbean summer.
Frequently asked questions about weather phenomena in Cuba
What is a waterspout?
A funnel cloud, also known as a "cloud tail," is a meteorological formation similar to a tornado that develops at high altitudes in the atmosphere without touching the ground. This phenomenon occurs under unstable atmospheric conditions with strong upward currents.
Why have extreme weather events increased in Cuba?
The frequency of extreme weather events in Cuba has increased due to changes in climate patterns, including global warming and atmospheric instability. These conditions create an environment prone to severe storms, tornadoes, and waterspouts.
What impact do high-altitude storms have on the population?
Although waterspouts do not touch the ground and usually do not pose an immediate danger, they are an indicator of unstable atmospheric conditions that can develop into more severe phenomena. Their presence serves as a warning about the intensification of convective activity in the region.
How can authorities and the population prepare for these phenomena?
The authorities must maintain constant monitoring of weather conditions and issue timely alerts for the population. The population, for its part, must follow the authorities' guidelines and be prepared for possible weather emergencies.
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