Residents of the Algarve region, a popular tourist destination in southern Portugal, were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of a roll cloud that resembled a tsunami rolling across the horizon. The phenomenon occurred on Sunday, following a record-breaking heatwave that caused temperatures to exceed 107°F in many parts of the country. According to Euro News, the rare ‘tsunami’ roll cloud was observed in the sky, with locals and tourists describing the event as both fascinating and eerie.
In an unusual occurrence, the cloud took on a horizontal, tube-like shape, stretching across the sky and creating an almost cinematic visual. Beachgoers on social media platforms like X were quick to share their experiences, with some joking that the event felt like a ‘tsunami from a movie.’ Others compared it to a natural disaster, expressing surprise at its appearance. One user wrote, ‘It was nuts to have experienced this rolling cloud in the north of Portugal. Felt like a tsunami out of a movie,’ highlighting the widespread fascination with the event.
Experts from the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have since offered insights into the formation of the roll cloud. According to the NWS, such clouds are ‘relatively rare’ and are often associated with thunderstorms. Stephen Corfidi, a meteorologist at NOAA, explained that the ‘shear’ across the inversion sets up a rolling motion much like that of a rolling pin used in a bakery. These clouds can last for several hours and extend for several hundred miles, according to Corfidi.
The event has not only captured the attention of the public but also generated a lot of discussion online. Social media users have been eager to share their videos of the phenomenon, with many expressing admiration for its beauty and power. Others have expressed concern over the unusual weather conditions that led to its formation, especially given the recent heatwave and the associated risks, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail. Despite the potential for severe weather, the cloud itself was seen as a spectacle, with many calling it ‘cool’ and even ‘fricking cool.’ The event is a reminder of the unpredictability of weather and the stunning natural phenomena that can occur, even in the midst of extreme conditions.