An unusual thunderstorm shook the city of Cienfuegos on Monday afternoon and evening, leaving dozens of residents speechless at the intensity of the lightning strikes, winds, and downpour.
A video captured by Adrián Rico and shared by the Facebook page "Tiempo a su Favor" recorded the atmospheric display and quickly went viral among the residents of Cienfuegos.
The electrical activity was described as "enormous" by those who experienced it. Comments from residents quickly confirmed that the phenomenon was felt in various parts of the city: La Juanita, Junco Sur, Pastorita, and even in the municipality of Abreus.
The storm lit up the city in blackout
The residents' descriptions all agreed on one adjective: terrifying.
"The storm yesterday was very intense. I haven't seen anything like that in many years," wrote a neighbor in the comments of the video.
Another one recounted, "My cacti and two pictures from the wall went flying. It felt strong in my fifth floor apartment. Impressive, I would say."
Despite the intensity of the weather phenomenon, a resident of Cienfuegos expressed an additional complaint: “The thunderstorm was very strong, with wind and a tremendous downpour. The worst part is that it didn’t cool anything down, which was the hope we had,” he lamented.
In Cienfuegos, the electricity crisis is severe, as it is throughout the country. Some areas endure up to 50 or 60 consecutive hours without electricity. In August, a protest was held in front of the provincial government headquarters due to the situation.
Amidst the numerous lightning bolts this Monday, the people of Cienfuegos couldn't help but smile at the contrast between the darkness in the streets and the brightness in the sky.
"How much waste of electricity, and Cienfuegos is dark—it was frightening," said a resident. Another commented, "At least the lightning lit up the streets."
Why the storm formed: the meteorological explanation
The response was provided by Canal Caribe in its weather forecast for Monday. The phenomenon was the result of the convergence of several simultaneous atmospheric factors.
"The passage of two tropical waves south of Cuban territory, in combination with an upper-level low located to the south of the western region at altitudes of 10-12 kilometers, very close to the Isle of Youth, will be generating instability," warned the meteorologist.
This was further compounded by the persistent humidity in the air and maximum temperatures ranging from 33 to 36 degrees Celsius, conditions that together created an ideal scenario for the development of showers, rain, and thunderstorms, particularly in the interior regions and the southern part of central Cuba—precisely where Cienfuegos is located.
The agency also warned that "in areas with rain and associated thunderstorms, wind strength and wave height may locally increase."
This type of phenomenon is common during the Cuban rainy season, which runs from May to October, with the peak of electrical activity concentrated between June and September.
The hailstorm that struck Camagüey and the lightning that hit a pole in Güira de Melena, both occurring in July, are part of the same seasonal pattern that has this year produced striking images in various provinces.
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