It occurs over and around Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela (see first map). Around 160 nights per year, continuous thunderstorm activity fires up for up to 9 or 10 hours per night, usually beginning about an hour after dusk. The lightning is high frequency, often occurring at rates of 16-40 strikes per minute. Much of the lightning is elevated in-cloud lightning.
The lake is surrounded by swampy plains, and these plains are enclosed by mountain ranges to the west, south and east. The topography causes diurnal wind patterns that favour the development of convergence zones at the surface. The moist air is forced to rise, causing thunderstorms to develop. The focus of the activity is where the Catatumbo River meets the lake (see the marker on the second map).
Trivia
- - In January 2010 the lightning ceased during an extreme drought. It returned several months later.
- In 1906, the phenomenon temporarily ceased after a large magnitude 8.8 earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Ecuador and Colombia
- Thought to be the largest generator of tropospheric ozone on Earth
- It has been known for centuries by the name Lighthouse of Maracaibo, since it visible from far away enough to be used a navigational aid at sea
- It is thought to have helped independence fighters defeat a fleet of Spanish ships in 1823
