Rare Cloud Pump Phenomenon Spotted in Norwegian Sea by Meteorologist

– It is a little surprising that it is happening now, and it is not a very common phenomenon.

This is what Eldbjørg Moksnes, a meteorologist at the Meteorological Institute, told Dagbladet after seeing the pictures showing a cloud pump in the sea, close to Kvassheim in Jæren in Rogaland.

Moksnes points out that it is not a common sight at this time of year, and that cloud pumps usually occur in summer or autumn when the water is warmer.

It was the local newspaper Jærbladet who mentioned the matter first.

– Unstable air masses

– Cloud pumps can also occur in connection with heavy showers, and we know that on Saturday there were some rain showers in the area, so that is certainly the explanation, points out the meteorologist.

Moksnes explains that the phenomenon usually occurs when the water is warmer, because higher temperatures will provide more energy to feed cloud pumps.

– It occurs as a result of unstable air masses in the atmosphere which form a vacuum-like effect in the clouds. It looks like a column of clouds with a rotation, she says.

– Fascinating and terrifying

According to the meteorologist, cloud pumps are moist air that is cooled. The phenomenon can occur both over land and water. It is nevertheless most common for cloud pumps to occur over water.

Can be dangerous

It resembles a tornado, but they tend to occur in milder weather and do not have the same intensity as tornadoes.

– If you are in a period with several heavy showers, then it can occur several times, about once a month, she says.

The phenomenon does not last for long, as they absorb colder air, explains the meteorologist.

Tornado ravaged: – Total destruction

– It can last anywhere from a few seconds to 30 minutes. And the wind speed is up from 10 to 30 meters per second.

Although cloud pumps are not as powerful as tornadoes, Moksnes points out that ending up in a cloud pump cannot be completely harmless.

– It is quite chaotic and can be a high wind speed. It can move onto land and they can go far. Sitting in a small boat at sea can be dangerous. I recommend observing cloud pumps from a distance, says the meteorologist.