As of Jun 19, 2026, 8:24 PM, in season, building toward peak (~August 15). Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
A waterspout is a rotating column of air and water mist that connects a cloud base to the surface of the water.
There are two kinds.
Fair-weather waterspouts — the common type off the Florida Keys — form over warm water beneath building cumulus clouds on days with light winds and weak wind shear; they grow upward from the surface, are usually short-lived, and are weaker than land tornadoes.
Tornadic waterspouts are true tornadoes that form over (or move onto) water from severe thunderstorms and are far more dangerous.
The Florida Keys are the world's waterspout capital: the National Weather Service in Key West records anywhere from 20 to 70 each year, with most reported May through September.
They are mesmerizing to watch from a safe distance on shore, but a serious hazard to boaters — the NWS advises mariners to move at a 90-degree angle away from a spout's path, and even a 'fair-weather' spout can carry winds strong enough to capsize small vessels.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Key West, Florida (Florida Keys) |
| Sheboygan / Lake Michigan shoreline, Wisconsin (Great Lakes) |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.