Rare waterspout-like vortex observed over Brahmaputra in Assam

A rare weather phenomenon resembling a waterspout is observed over the Brahmaputra in Assam’s Barpeta district. The news highlights the phenomenon of waterspouts, including their characteristics, formation conditions, and types.

Waterspout:

Dimension	Key Details
Definition	A waterspout comprises a large column of air and mist rotating over a water body.
Intensity and duration	A waterspout is less intense and typically lasts for around 5 minutes, and it can last up to 10 minutes.
Typical size and wind speed	The average waterspout can be around 165 feet in diameter, with wind speeds of 100 kilometres per hour.
Formation conditions	Waterspouts occur when there are high levels of humidity and relatively warm water temperatures compared to the overlying air.
Types	Waterspouts comprise two types: tornadic waterspouts, and fair-weather waterspouts.
Tornadic waterspouts	Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water, and they have the same characteristics as a land tornado.
Tornadic waterspouts: associated conditions	Tornadic waterspouts are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.
Fair-weather waterspouts	Fair-weather waterspouts are usually formed under calmer conditions along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds.
Fair-weather waterspouts: thunderstorm link	Fair-weather waterspouts are generally not associated with thunderstorms.
Development direction	Fair-weather waterspouts develop from the water’s surface upward, while tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm.
Movement	Fair-weather waterspouts typically move very little due to light wind conditions.