Season changes bring some turbulent and chaotic weather in the Great Lakes. Lake Superior is known to be particularly temperamental. Recalling a day from 2015 when I was in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula photographing autumn color in mid-October, the weather was looking particularly “uptight.” I witnessed two particularly interesting weather events from a great overlook up there.
Microburst / Wet Downburst
The first is in the featured image above, a microburst also called a wet downburst. This is a rather small one as these types of downbursts can be quite severe and damaging. My only regret is that I didn’t record any video at the time. However, there is a particularly dramatic one photographer Peter Maier captured in a timelapse (not Lake Superior obviously) and posted to YouTube:
In my own photograph, I particularly liked the definition of the “spilling over” effect from the large cumulous clouds. In hindsight, it would have been pretty cool to do a timelapse like above, but alas, one of those missed opportunities.
Waterspout
Lake Superior’s rapidly changing weather offered up its next gift which was a first for me – a waterspout. For those unfamiliar, it is basically a tornado over water. The wind drafts in the opposite direction of a microburst/downburst – flowing up into the clouds instead of downward. The same phenomenon is related to instances of people saying “it’s raining fish!!” Waterspouts have been known to suck up frogs, fish, anything near the surface and carry it to land. I can only imagine the traumatic and often lethal experience.
I mentioned it in a previous post about Lake Superior but found another undeveloped frame that I liked better. I photographed it not long after watching the microburst as it formed in the stormier skies to the east. So it was quite an eventful afternoon! This one better portrays the “temperament” of the clouds behind it – one of those skies where you kinda just know there’s trouble brewing. This closer view creates a much stronger connection between the sea and sky.
Updrafts and Downdrafts
I thought this particular pair of images created an interesting juxtaposition in the relationship of sea and sky on Lake Superior. Two different weather systems, one pushing down, the other pushing up. It is one ongoing day in and out but the lesser atmospheric exchanges certainly lack the drama. One might even say this was a particularly vigorous, elemental Yin-Yang-type conversation between the sea and sky. Maybe they were having an argument, maybe they just wanted to trade fish recipes. One wonders.
My father used to talk about a town in southern Brazil where it rained frogs once. I always thought it was one o his stories. Very interesting photography and accompanying text. I wish I could see this.
That would be something to experience! It seems there is a plausible explanation.
One finds one holding their breath when witnessing the power of nature. Mark, these photos and videos reflect those same responses, and stunning does seem an appropriate word.
I’m a bit envious of those that go storm chasing through the plains states – those big open horizons that provide those opportunities. Around here you only get good views if it is crossing a lake or you can get enough elevation. I guess this case was an example of both.
Stunning pictures, Mark. Simply stunning, both of them.
Thanks so much Alex
That first image is stunning! Think the fall colors is what calls me. Your second one is dark and ominous, mysterious. Could be a great cover photo for a tumultuous romance novels or a murder mystery book.
Maybe we could work out a deal if YOU write that romance novel.
Really neat images. That second one really has a foreboding feeling of doom to it! Must have been really exhilarating to see.
It was neat to see it. I am glad it was a considerable distance away and I had a long lens! 🙂