Horizontal rain: What is and where does it happen

Horizontal rain is a unusual weather phenomenon that occurs when atmospheric conditions are propitiated so that Rain drops are driven horizontally, sidewaysinstead of falling vertically, as is typical in most rains. This phenomenon is generally associated with strong winds and storms, and can be caused for several reasons.

• One of the factors that contribute to horizontal rain is the presence of intense winds In the atmosphere. When the wind blows at high speed, it can carry the rain drops along significant horizontal distances before they finally touch the ground. This usually happens during strong storms or hurricaneswhere winds can reach exceptionally high speeds, which can lead to a more pronounced horizontal rain.
• Another factor that can influence horizontal rain is the presence of suspended particles in the atmosphere. These particles, like dust, smoke or volcanic ashesthey can act like condensation nuclei for rain dropswhich can make these drops smaller and light. In the presence of strong winds, these smaller drops can be transported horizontally for longer before falling to the ground.
• The topography of the land can also play an important role in the horizontal rain. When The wind finds obstaclessuch as mountains or buildings, it can be redirected and accelerated, which can increase the probability that rain drops are horizontally driven instead of falling vertically. This effect is known as “orographic wind“And it is common in mountainous areas.

Horizontal rain can occur in various regions of the world, but it is more common in areas prone to severe storms, hurricanes, and in places with mountainous topography:

• Severe storms: Horizontal rain is more likely during severe storms with strong winds. These storms can occur in many parts of the world, but regions with temperate climates and areas where warm and cold air masses frequently collide, such as the center of the United States, are known for experiencing intense thunderstorms that can lead to horizontal rains. In these areas, ascending and descending winds generated by storms can move rain drops in unusual directions.
• Hurricanes and typhons: Hurricanes in the Atlantic, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the typhoons in the Western Pacific, are known for their extremely strong winds and heavy rains. During these tropical storms, horizontal rains are quite common, since cyclonic winds can take rain drops to considerable distances before they touch the ground. Here you can know the hurricanes: what they are, how they form and categories and what is a typhoon and how it is formed.
• Mountainous areas: In areas with pronounced mountains, winds can be forced to climb on the ridges of the mountains. This phenomenon, known as the orographic wind, can lead to horizontal rain on the caterpiece side of the mountains. For example, the west coast of North America, which includes regions such as the coast of Washington and Oregon, is known for experiencing horizontal rain due to the influence of the orographic wind generated by the mountainous topography.
• Local conditions: Horizontal rain can also occur in urban areas with high buildings and narrow streets. Buildings and structures can redirect and accelerate the wind, which in turn can influence the direction of rain.

Laurisilva is a type of humid subtropical forest found in temperate and subtropical climate regions, mainly in mountainous areas of Macaronesia (Madeira, Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde) and nearby areas in northwest Africa and South America. Horizontal rain can have various influences in laurisilva and its ecosystem:

• Hydrology: Horizontal rain can have an impact on the hydrological cycle of Laurisilva. Due to the intense winds that often accompany the horizontal rain, rain drops can be transported from the areas of greatest altitude of the mountain to the lowest areas. This can affect the water supply to rivers and streams in low areas, which can influence the availability of water for vegetation and wildlife.
• Soil erosion: Strong winds associated with horizontal rain can increase soil erosion in laurisilva areas. Laurisilva vegetation is often found in steep slopes, and the impact of rainfalls transported horizontally can dislodge soil and vegetation, which increases the possibility of erosion and landslides.
• Introduction of foreign elements: Horizontal rain can also carry particles and foreign elements, such as dust, volcanic ash or air pollutants. These elements can have a negative impact on the quality of the soil and health of the laurisilva vegetation. For example, volcanic ash deposition can alter the chemical composition of the soil and affect the availability of nutrients for plants.
• Flora and fauna: This type of rain can influence the biodiversity of Laurisilva. By changing soil conditions and water availability, it can affect the distribution of plant species and wildlife that depends on them. Some species of plants and animals may be more resistant to horizontal rain conditions, while others may be harmed.
• Adaptation and Resilience: Horizontal rain can be a natural selection factor for the flora and fauna of Laurisilva, favoring the evolution of specific adaptations to resist or take advantage of this unique weather phenomenon. Species that develop characteristics that allow them to resist strong winds or take advantage of horizontal rain may have advantages in this environment.

After knowing all this about the curious phenomenon of horizontal rain, we encourage you to read about why trees attract rain and torrential rain: causes, consequences and what to do.

If you want to read more articles similar to Horizontal rain: What is and where does it happenwe recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.