Phantom storms – what is it? IMWM corrects disinformation from Germany

The information about the “ghost storms” appeared in the Polish media as an echo of reports from Germany. Unfortunately, the original source provided a lot of false information and (probably unintentionally) misled us. In response to this incident, specialists from IMWM-PIB prepared a professional correction. It is worth reading it, even if you are not familiar with disinformation content.

Phantom storms. What is it?

First of all, there is no such thing as a “ghost storm” in the scientific literature. Meteorologists do not use such a term. It was probably coined for media purposes. It began to appear as early as June 2024.

This term has been assigned storm cells that undergo dynamic development in conditions of high atmospheric instability, when the convection process (warm air rising higher and thus feeding the storm) is limited by other factors.

“Ghost storms” are supposed to be undetectable by weather radars and therefore pose a serious threat. This is not true. Supercell thunderstorms and the precipitation of convective origin that accompanies them can be tracked. This is a difficult task, but it is doable. Violent storms of this type can be forecasted even several dozen hours in advance. As you can see, “phantom storms” are not a new weather phenomenon.

You can listen to the full explanation below:

On this occasion, IMWM appeals, so that we do not use this unscientific term in everyday speech. Emotionally charged terms can distort the reception of true weather warnings and lead to disaster.