LARGE WATERSPOUT TO THE NORTHEAST OF GOZO – 20th October 2007

On 20th October 2007, a large waterspout was seen to the northeast of Qala, Gozo at around 9.30am. This lasted about 10 minutes. The cloud that produced this waterspout seemed to be a large cumulus as no lightning strikes were reported from this particular cloud. The was a negatively-tilted upper-level trough to the north and speed shear was definitely present (see sounding to the left). The lifted index was of -3.0 with a CAPE of almost 1000J/kg. Sea temperature was a warm 23°C. This paticular cloud moved WNW-ESE and did not affect any land area of the Maltese Islands.

PHOTOS TAKEN BY JASON ALOISIO & METEO MALTA