Hailstorms on the way for Austria: First severe thunderstorms with damaging gusts expected
The sky's really turned nasty over Styria, hasn't it. One minute it was properly warm, almost summery – and now this: Dark clouds, the first flashes on the horizon, and then the hail starts. If you were out and about, you probably made a dash for the nearest doorway pretty sharpish. The first severe heat thunderstorms are rolling across Austria, and the forecasts aren't looking good.
It's really kicked off, especially around the Mürztal region. The locals know the drill: just wait it out until the shower passes. But when the hailstones get as big as marbles, you tend to keep an eye on the window to check if the car's still in one piece. A mate of mine only just got his convertible out of winter storage – looks like it's straight back into the garage for now. Farmers are dreading it every time the sky looks like this. The fruit trees have only just blossomed, and a heavy hailstorm now would completely wipe out the harvest. It's just gutting.
Meteorologists are now warning for the rest of the day and tonight: it could get pretty wild. Apart from Styria, parts of Lower Austria and Burgenland are also expected to be badly affected. The latest forecasts show the storm cells continuing to build up. Honestly, if you were planning a hike, you'd be better off turning back. Mountain peaks are like giant lightning rods. And even down in the valley, taking shelter under a tree is a bad idea – just don't do it! Better to pop into a café for a bit and wait for the worst to pass.
Something I've always found fascinating: our old farming proverbs and the shorthand used in old weather diaries. You'd see things like:
- H. for Hail
- T. for Thunderstorm
- G. for Gale
- L. for Sheet lightning (Heat lightning)
- D. for Dull/Overcast and F. for Fair/Fine
- R. for Rain, Sn. for Snow
- Dr. for Drizzle, M. for Mist/Fog
- Fr.M. for Freezing fog and H.M. for High-level fog/Stratus
Sounds complicated, but our grandfathers could read exactly what kind of summer to expect from these signs. These days, we've got the weather app on our phones – not quite the same charm, is it.
It's also interesting how much the weather gets people talking. The other day I saw a bloke proudly wearing a short-sleeved 'Tornado Hail Storm Enthusiast' t-shirt. A real weather geek – but kind of cool that there are people who are voluntarily into all this chaos. Or those funny British weather sweatshirts, covered in symbols for rain, hail and storms. I mean, given the weather over there, you can understand it. Here in Austria, we could probably do with one too. And then there's the hardcore version for meteorologists: the 'What the hail!' sweatshirt. Some people have a great sense of humour.
But seriously, if you value your car or have the barbecue out on the patio, it's worth being prepared. There's stuff like the ORSEM LNB weather cover, which protects against not just rain, but also hail, snow and ice. Sounds like a bit of a faff, but it beats looking at a bonnet covered in dents after a storm. Just pop it over and job done – it's UV-resistant and pretty tough. Same goes for plants and delicate cold frames: cover them up or bring them in if you can.
So, the next few hours are going to be interesting. The sky will keep clouding over, and new thunderstorms could keep rolling in well into the night. So keep your wits about you, secure any loose items on balconies and patios, and if there's lightning: head indoors, and don't use the landline (it's a bit of a myth that it's dangerous, but strikes can still hit the wiring). And remember, the sun usually comes out after the storm – and then the air is so beautifully clear you can see all the way to the Alps. That's your reward for seeing it through.
Take care and stay safe, everyone!