Rare Roll Cloud Stuns Portugal Amid Heatwave

A rare roll cloud swept across beaches in northern and central Portugal during a historic European heatwave, startling beachgoers as skies rapidly darkened and winds intensified. The tube-shaped arcus cloud formed from the collision of extreme inland heat with cooler ocean air, with Portugal's temperatures reaching nearly 46.6°C. Meteorologists clarified that while visually dramatic and sometimes described as apocalyptic, roll clouds pose no danger and are unrelated to tsunamis or earthquakes. The event, not seen in decades in Portugal, was widely shared on social media, sparking awe and concern. The ongoing heatwave has brought wildfires, flash floods, and public health emergencies to several countries across Europe. Experts warn that such unusual weather phenomena are likely to become more frequent due to climate change, prompting calls for urgent action.