Q: What is a water tower?

Weather of Arabia - A water tower is a rotating air column that extends from a cumulus cloud to the surface of the water, and is similar to terrestrial hurricanes, but it forms over bodies of water. It is formed as a result of an interaction between rising, warm, moist air currents from the surface of the water and a cold air mass coming from the clouds. This interaction leads to the formation of an air vortex.

Water towers usually form in areas with high humidity and warm temperatures, and they often occur in seas, lakes and oceans. This phenomenon appears especially during the summer and fall periods.

Watershed usually lasts for short periods, ranging from a few minutes to half an hour. Although short in duration, they can be devastating if they approach beaches or ships.