It's difficult to ignore the weather these day, whether you're a climate change skeptic, a committed believer to the dangers of global warming or simply someone who's googled "never ending lightning" and are wondering what all the fuss is about it. From polar vortices to hurricanes that strike New York City in autumn to droughts that never seem to end, no one in the world truly seems to know what's happening with the weather.

Well, unless you happen to live in Venezuela – specifically, the part of Venezuela where the Catatumbo River empties into Lake Maracaibo. Here, you'll find a phenomenon known as the Catatumbo Lightning.

What is the Catatumbo Lightning?

Also sometimes referred to as Venezuela's "eternal thunderstorm," the Catatumbo Lightning doesn't actually fire nonstop, but for at least a few centuries, it has occurred around 150 times per year. Sometimes it lasts as long as 10 hours per day, with as many as 300 lightning strikes per hour.

Scientists believe the storm, which occurs approximately 3 miles above the surface of the water, is caused by a perfect storm (punny, right?) of cold and warm air currents that occurs exactly where the lightning forms. Researchers have been exploring the impact of methane on the storms as well. A combination of the large regional oil deposits and prevalent swampland emits the gas in large quantities. Whatever the cause, it sometimes feels that Catatumbo Lightning is, in fact, never ending lightning.

Is the Catatumbo Lightning Actually Eternal?

Before you go booking your flights to Venezuela, you should know that the Catatumbo Lightning is not only not eternal, but its tenure above the Catatumbo River Delta has not been eternally unbroken. Rather, during the first four months of 2010, lightning activity ceased completely, possibly due to drought that overtook the region.

It's also important to note that even if you're lucky enough to visit when the Catatumbo Lightning is in a period of high activity, the lightning starts at a different time each day and is, not surprisingly, most spectacular at night. You'll need to keep these items in mind when planning your trip to see Venezuela's eternal (or maybe not so eternal!) thunderstorm.

Catatumbo Lightning in Popular Culture

Regardless of whether Venezuela's eternal storm lasts for the rest of eternity, it's already made a significant impact on the world. Beyond the dialogue the Catatumbo Lightning has generated within the scientific community, it's been mentioned in literature as far back as the late 16th century, when Spanish poet Lope de Vega used it as the backdrop for his seminal war epic, "La Dragontea."

How to See the Catatumbo Lightning With Your Own Eyes

If you want to see the Catatumo Lightning with your own eyes, your best option is to go with a guided tour such as this one, which pairs the spectacle of the lightning with the opportunity to see river dolphins, colorful birds, butterflies and howler monkeys, as well as to explore the authentic Andean villages of La Azulita and Jají, whose magic is more enduring than the so-called "never-ending lightning."

Another important reason to consider taking a tour when you visit Venezuela is security. The country is embroiled in its worst economic crisis in years, which is saying a lot for a country that is perpetually on the brink of fiscal collapse. If you travel alone in Venezuela and you aren't Venezuelan, you are putting your safety at risk! Don't make a decision to save a few dollars now that will cost you something priceless (besides, of course, the illusion of never-ending lightning) later.