The phenomenon of "fish rain," though rare and seemingly fantastical, is a real meteorological event. It can occur when tornadoes or waterspouts form over bodies of water. Waterspouts are essentially tornadoes that occur over water; they function similarly by sucking up everything in their lower vicinity, including, sometimes, aquatic animals like fish, eels, and frogs. When these waterspouts travel over land and lose their energy, the objects and creatures that were pulled up can be dropped, leading to what is popularly known as "fish rain."
This unusual type of rain is most common in coastal or area near bodies of water. For instance, residents in Honduras experience a yearly weather event fondly referred to as "Lluvia de Peces" (Rain of Fish), which they celebrate as a festival. Similar occurrences have been reported in other parts of the world, including India, Australia, and Mexico, drawing both amazement and curiosity.
Scientifically, for fish rain to occur, a number of specific conditions must align. A tornado or waterspout must form over water that is populated with wildlife and is relatively shallow to allow for the vortex to scoop up small animals. The waterspout then carries these animals aloft, traveling on land, and as it dissipates, the animals are released from the grasp of the tornado’s diminishing rotation, falling as precipitation. While it sounds traumatic, some of the fish may still be alive when they land.
Despite its intriguing nature, fish rain does not pose any significant threat to humans, unlike other severe weather events associated with tornadoes and waterspouts. However, it certainly creates a bizarre and startling spectacle that underscores the remarkable and unpredictable power of nature. The instances of fish rain invite curiosity and wonder, providing a vivid example of the strange phenomena our natural world is capable of producing.
