An unusual atmospheric phenomenon has surprised vacationers on a beach in France, where a giant “wall” of dark clouds suddenly appeared on the horizon, changing the weather conditions within minutes. The spectacular images spread quickly on social networks, while many users compared the scene to a disaster movie and described it as a “mini-cloud tsunami”. However, meteorologists clarify that it is a known phenomenon called Galerne, a cold and powerful wind that is formed as a result of the great contrast of temperatures between the land and the sea.

Pyrometeorologist Theodoros Giannaros, in a statement to ERT, stressed that the phenomenon is not related to a new climate phenomenon, but is a known meteorological process. According to him, heat waves significantly heat the air above the land, while the air over the Bay of Biscay remains much cooler. When the wind direction changes, the cold air mass advances rapidly towards the coast, penetrating under the warm air and forcing it to rise. This process creates dense and imposing clouds, which give the appearance of a giant wall moving towards the coast.

The expert warned that, despite the impressive appearance, the phenomenon can be dangerous, as it is accompanied by very strong winds that in some cases reach storm intensity, posing a risk to holidaymakers and vessels. According to Giannaro, the strong heat wave that has swept the region has likely made the phenomenon even more intense, creating even greater temperature contrasts between land and sea.

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