6 Incredible, Baffling Natural Phenomena In Idaho

Nature can be simultaneously beautiful and destructive, as Idaho’s erratic weather and landscape demonstrates. From the magical aurora borealis, to the highly volatile “firenado,” Idaho is a twilight zone of one awesome spectacle after another, even if some of those are just as dangerous as they are incredible to witness. Here are just a few:

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Every state has some lightning now and then, but Idaho's summer lightning storms are epic to say the least. Hot desert days and cold, dry nights combine with open fields and stunning hillscapes to make for vibrant lightning bursts that are exhilarating to watch.

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Dust devils -- called "dust whirls" in other places -- are miniature, slow spinning whirlwinds that often bore holes in crop fields, but are otherwise harmless. Idaho's expansive farmland and soil properties make ideal conditions for this weather phenomenon. They can be as small as knee height, or stretch upwards hundreds of meters just like a regular storm.

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Double rainbows are caused by mirrored reflections of sunlight inside raindrops. Idaho is a gorgeous viewing point for rainbows of all kinds, but when they multiply across our baby blue skies, they're simply phenomenal.

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Also called an "ice halo" or a "circumhorizontal arc," these vivid rainbows can be seen just below the sun or moon. They are caused by light shining through atmospheric ice crystals, but the solar fire rainbow can only be seen at certain latitudes. Idaho happens to be the perfect viewing spot.

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Found most often on the Salmon River, these unique ice chunks form when temperature fluctuations cause rivers to freeze and then thaw, breaking and spinning the ice into recirculating plates.

6. Fire Tornadoes

This rare phenomenon is created when fire forms a tornado-like vortex of flames and ash. They can be caused when a tornado spins too closely to a forest fire, or when excessive heat is generated in a small area in combination with windy conditions.

Nature is truly remarkable and — admittedly — a tad intimidating here in Idaho. Have you ever witnessed any of these events? Do you have other names for them, or photos to share? Let us know in the comments!