
A meteorological phenomenon observed on several beaches in the country this Sunday caused a stir, given its magnitude. The phenomenon is known as the ‘roll cloud’.
Images and videos have been shared on social media, notably on the Meteo Trás-os-Montes page.
The page suggests that, apparently, it is indeed this phenomenon—which is considered rare in Portugal—and it resembles what appears to be a giant wave, although it is not.
“Roll cloud invades the beaches of Figueira da Foz, causing strong winds and much commotion,” reads a description of one of the videos shared on Facebook.
In another video, the Meteo Trás-os-Montes Facebook page writes: “Roll cloud impressively!”
It is also noted that in Póvoa de Varzim, the phenomenon presented “an incredible sight.”
According to the World Meteorological Organization’s website, this phenomenon is “a long, typically low, horizontal, detached cloud mass shaped like a tube that often appears to roll slowly around a horizontal axis.”
See the images below:
Roll cloud on the Portuguese coast beaches? 29.JUN.2025
Via Meteo Trás os Montes – Portugal pic.twitter.com/2XZ1M9ippE— ⓧAntónio Pinheiro 🇵🇹🇿🇦 (@pinheiroantonio) June 29, 2025