Over the waters of the Kremenchuk Reservoir in the Poltava region, witnesses recorded a rare atmospheric phenomenon – a waterspout. This natural phenomenon forms over large bodies of water during unstable weather conditions and the active development of thunderstorm clouds.
This is reported by Finway
What a Waterspout Looks Like and Why It Is Dangerous
A photograph of this unique phenomenon was shared on social media by the head of the company “Royal Taste,” Maksym Korol. The image clearly shows the characteristic funnel-shaped structure descending from the thunderstorm cloud to the water’s surface. A waterspout is a type of tornado that occurs due to a combination of high humidity, unstable atmosphere, and the development of powerful thunderstorm clouds.
Experts note that such vortices exist from a few minutes to thirty minutes, after which they quickly dissipate. Although a waterspout is generally weaker than a land tornado, it can be dangerous for small vessels, boats, and canoes on the water.
Why Waterspouts Are Becoming More Frequent in Ukraine
According to meteorologists, such atmospheric phenomena are periodically observed over large bodies of water in Ukraine, including the Kremenchuk Reservoir, especially in the summer during thunderstorm fronts and warm weather. Ecologist Oleksandr Sokolenko reported on Kyiv24 that Ukraine is part of the so-called “tornado zone,” where waterspouts may appear more frequently. This is influenced by climate change and the gradual increase in the average annual air temperature.
“With the increase in the number of hot days in spring and summer, the risk of tornado formation also rises. Their appearance requires the collision of warm and cold air, and under warming conditions, such processes occur more often,” the expert explained.
Experts advise that if a waterspout appears over a body of water, one should immediately seek sturdy shelter and avoid open spaces, as in addition to strong winds, debris moving at high speeds poses an increased threat.