Which lake in Venezuela is known for the Catatumbo lightning phenomenon?

Lake Maracaibo is the Venezuelan lake known for the Catatumbo lightning phenomenon.

The lightning appears mainly over the southern part of the lake, near the marshes where the Catatumbo River flows into the Maracaibo basin. Warm, humid air from the lake and surrounding lowlands meets cooler air shaped by nearby mountain ranges, helping produce frequent nighttime thunderstorms.

Catatumbo lightning has historically been called the “Maracaibo Beacon” because its flashes can be seen from far away and once helped sailors navigate. The storms may occur on roughly 140 to 160 nights each year, sometimes lasting several hours.

A common mix-up is confusing the lake with the river: the Catatumbo River helps define the lightning region, but the phenomenon is associated with Lake Maracaibo. The lake is also Venezuela’s main oil-producing area and is connected to the Gulf of Venezuela.