On October 1st, Pinar del Río native Mikely Arencibia Pantoja captured a breathtaking image of a massive storm advancing over the city. The photograph showcases towering cumulonimbus clouds, with hues ranging from light gray to deep blue, a formation often linked to severe storms with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Captured from his home's terrace, the image was shared on Facebook by Rubén Capote, head of Meteorology at Telemundo 49 in Tampa. He credited Arencibia for the photo, describing it succinctly: "This was the face of the afternoon today in Pinar del Río, Cuba. A magnificent photo of a very photogenic summer storm; but in autumn."
Arencibia Pantoja expressed his delight in a Facebook post about the recognition: "I just received the pleasant news that, once again, Ruben Capote, Chief Meteorologist at Telemundo 49, shared a photo I took this afternoon of October 1st. It shows a storm over southern Pinar del Río."
The image is more than just a meteorological snapshot. In the foreground, solar panels, blue and rusted metal water tanks, electrical cables, and palm trees add to the everyday Cuban landscape, contrasting sharply with the dramatic sky above.
October signifies the end of the rainy season in Cuba, lasting from May to October and accounting for about 80% of annual rainfall. Although rainfall decreases in Pinar del Río during October compared to previous months, storms remain common and can be locally intense. Therefore, rain or storms at this time are not particularly unusual.
Capote, an honors graduate in Meteorology from the Higher Institute of Technologies and Applied Sciences (InSTEC) in Cuba, has been leading Meteorology at Telemundo 49 — part of NBCUniversal Local — since November 2022. He is a respected figure among Cubans both on and off the island, and his endorsement of Cuban photographers’ work lends them visibility and scientific credibility.
This isn't the first time Arencibia and Capote have produced notable works together. In late August, Arencibia captured another stunning image of a lightning bolt against a violet sky with a reddish vertical streak descending from the clouds. Capote described it as "spectacular" when sharing it, saying, "There are photos and then there are photos, and this is one that stands out [...] Spectacularly taken this afternoon in Pinar del Río, Cuba." On that occasion, the photographer expressed his gratitude publicly, calling it a "great kindness."
Arencibia Pantoja is recognized on social media not only for his atmospheric images but also for his commentary on Cuban realities. In August, he published "The Business of Misery," criticizing how chronic shortages fuel speculation, with cooking oil prices exceeding 4,000 pesos — peaking at 7,000 pesos — while the minimum wage is 3,210 pesos monthly. "When a society reaches the point where the response to abuse is 'what else can we do?', the need is no longer just in the pockets. It begins to live in the consciousness," he wrote at the time.
The trend of documenting weather phenomena from the streets or rooftops is growing among Cubans, partially due to the energy crisis — with prolonged blackouts and out-of-service meteorological equipment — making citizen images more significant in the absence of reliable official data.
Understanding the Meteorological Phenomena in Pinar del Río
What type of clouds were captured in the storm photo?
The photo captured cumulonimbus clouds, which are typically associated with severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Why is October significant for weather in Cuba?
October marks the end of the rainy season in Cuba, a period that sees about 80% of the country's annual precipitation. Although rainfall decreases, storms are still common during this month.
How does Rubén Capote contribute to the visibility of Cuban photographers?
Rubén Capote, as a respected meteorologist, shares and endorses the work of Cuban photographers, providing them with increased visibility and scientific credibility.