20 Unbelievable Weather Facts That Sound Fake (But Are Totally Real)
Discover 20 unbelievable weather facts that challenge our understanding of nature, from lightning strikes to rare phenomena like fish rain and fire tornadoes.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
Weather has always fascinated humans, and these 20 facts reveal just how astonishing it can be. Some weather phenomena, such as fire tornadoes and purple lightning, challenge conventional expectations, while others, like the ability of hurricanes to release the energy of 10,000 nuclear bombs, demonstrate the immense power of nature. These facts highlight the unpredictability and wonder of Earth’s weather systems, showcasing both rare and extraordinary events that occur in different parts of the world> .
1. It Can Literally Rain Fish
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In certain regions, such as Honduras, fish can fall from the sky during a phenomenon called Lluvia de Peces. This occurs when strong updrafts from intense storms pick up fish from bodies of water and carry them over long distances. When the updrafts weaken, the fish are released back to the ground.
2. Lightning Strikes the Earth About 8 Million Times a Day
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Lightning strikes the Earth approximately 8 million times daily, with an estimated 100 strikes happening every second. These strikes occur all over the globe, but some areas experience lightning more frequently due to local weather patterns. The vast majority of lightning occurs over land rather than oceans.
3. Fire Tornadoes Are a Real Thing
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Fire tornadoes, also known as fire whirls, are formed when intense heat from a wildfire creates a spinning vortex of fire. These flames can reach heights of hundreds of feet and can destroy large areas. Although rare, fire tornadoes have been recorded during extreme wildfire events.
4. The Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded Was -128.6°F
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The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth occurred in Antarctica in 1983. The conditions were so harsh at this extreme temperature that exposed skin could freeze almost instantly. It remains the lowest temperature ever measured, serving as a reminder of Earth’s potential for extreme cold.
5. It Once Snowed in the Sahara Desert
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In 2018, a rare weather event caused snow to fall in the Sahara Desert. The snow lasted for only a few hours, but it was an astonishing sight for one of the driest places on Earth. This occurrence highlighted the unusual and unpredictable nature of weather patterns.
6. Hurricanes Can Release the Energy of 10,000 Nuclear Bombs
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The energy released by a single hurricane is equivalent to the explosive power of 10,000 nuclear bombs. This immense energy is released through the storm’s wind, rain, and pressure. Hurricanes are among the most powerful weather systems, capable of causing widespread destruction.
7. There’s a Place Where It Rains More Than 300 Days a Year
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Mawsynram, India, is the wettest place on Earth, receiving rainfall on more than 300 days of the year. The region’s unique geography and monsoon winds contribute to this excessive rainfall, which has shaped the local environment and the way people live there.
8. Rain Smells Different Right Before a Storm
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The distinct scent that fills the air before a storm is called petrichor, which comes from oils released by plants and bacteria in the soil. This scent is most noticeable after a dry period when rain is about to fall. It is often associated with a calming feeling, signaling the arrival of rain.
9. The Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded Was 134°F
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The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134°F in Death Valley, California, in 1913. This extreme heat makes Death Valley one of the hottest places on the planet. The temperature record still stands today as a testament to the intensity of Earth’s heat.
10. Purple Lightning Exists
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Under certain conditions, lightning can appear purple instead of the usual white or blue. This happens when moisture or dust is abundant in the air, affecting how light is refracted through the atmosphere. Purple lightning is rare but has been observed during intense thunderstorms.
11. Some Snowflakes Are the Size of Dinner Plates
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While most snowflakes are small, some can grow as large as 15 inches across. This phenomenon has been recorded in certain places, like Montana, under the right weather conditions. These unusually large snowflakes are rare, but they demonstrate the incredible variety in snow formation.
12. The Eye of a Hurricane Is Calm and Sunny
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In the center of a hurricane, known as the eye, the weather is unexpectedly calm and often sunny. The eye is surrounded by the eyewall, where the most intense winds and rain occur. The calm conditions in the eye are temporary, as the storm’s intensity returns once the eye passes.
13. A Heatwave Can Make Train Tracks Bend
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During extreme heat, metal train tracks can expand and bend, creating dangerous conditions for rail transportation. This phenomenon, known as “sun kink,” can cause track distortions and derailments. Railroads must carefully monitor track conditions during heatwaves to prevent accidents.
14. There’s a Place in the U.S. That Got 75 Inches of Snow in 24 Hours
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In 1921, Silver Lake, Colorado, received a record-breaking 75 inches of snow in just 24 hours. This amount of snow in a single day is exceptional and is still one of the highest totals ever recorded. The heavy snow posed significant challenges for local communities and transportation.
15. Clouds Can Weigh Over a Million Pounds
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Despite their light, fluffy appearance, clouds can weigh up to 1.1 million pounds due to the water they hold. The water vapor within clouds can be dense enough to create substantial weight, which is spread out over a large area, which is why clouds seem to float in the sky.
16. The Fastest Wind Ever Measured Hit 253 mph
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The highest wind speed ever recorded was 253 mph during Tropical Cyclone Olivia in 1996. This extreme wind speed occurred in Australia and remains the fastest wind ever measured. Winds at this velocity are capable of causing catastrophic damage to structures and the environment.
17. Ball Lightning Is a Mysterious Weather Phenomenon
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Ball lightning is a rare and unexplained phenomenon in which glowing spheres of electricity appear during thunderstorms. Scientists still do not fully understand the exact cause of ball lightning. Witnesses describe it as a floating ball of light that moves erratically through the air.
18. The Sky Can Turn Green Before a Tornado
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Before a tornado, the sky may take on a greenish hue caused by the scattering of light through storm clouds filled with moisture and hail. This green color is often seen as a sign of a severe storm. While it doesn’t guarantee a tornado, it can indicate that one is likely to form.
19. Tornadoes Have Happened on Every Continent Except Antarctica
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Tornadoes are found on every continent except Antarctica, although they are most common in certain areas like Tornado Alley in the United States. These violent storms occur in various climates around the world, although they are more common in temperate regions. Their strength and frequency vary depending on geographic location.
20. You Can Hear Thunder from 10 Miles Away
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Under the right conditions, the sound of thunder can be heard up to 10 miles away. Thunder is produced by the rapid expansion of air heated by lightning, and the sound travels across the atmosphere. In clear air, the sound can travel much farther, making distant storms audible even without seeing them.