Hailstorm Weather in India: First Intense Thunderstorms with Severe Squalls Expected
The sky has really clouded over, hasn't it? Just a short while ago, it was pleasantly warm, almost like a summer afternoon – and now this: Dark clouds, the first flashes on the horizon, and then the hail starts. If you were out and about, you probably quickly sought shelter under the nearest awning. The first powerful pre-monsoon thunderstorms are rolling across parts of North India, and the forecasts aren't looking good.
It's already really hitting the fan in some areas. People there know the drill: just wait for the shower to pass. But when the hailstones get as big as marbles, you're definitely going to peer out the window to check if your car is still in one piece. A friend of mine just took his convertible out of the garage for the season – looks like it's going straight back in. Farmers, especially, are on edge every time the sky looks like this. The mango blossoms are just out, and if heavy hail comes down, the whole crop could be ruined. It's just terrible.
Meteorologists are now raising an alert for the rest of the day and into the night: It's going to get rough. Besides the areas already affected, parts of the adjoining plains and foothills are also likely to be hit. The latest models show the storm cells are continuing to build. Seriously, if you're planning a trek right now, it's best to turn back. The peaks are basically 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 just duck into a tea stall for a bit and wait for the worst to pass.
You know what always fascinates me? Our traditional weather wisdom and the shorthand our grandparents used in their diaries to note the weather. You'd see entries like:
- H. for Hail
- T. for Thunderstorm
- Sq. for Squall
- L. for Heat Lightning
- Cl. for Cloudy and Clr. for Clear
- R. for Rain, Sn. for Snow
- Dr. for Drizzle, F. for Fog
- Fst. for Freezing Fog and HF. for High Fog (like low clouds)
Sounds complicated, but our elders could read these signs and know exactly what kind of monsoon season to expect. Today, we have weather apps on our phones for that – but it's just not the same, is it?
It's also interesting to see how much weather fascinates people. I recently saw a guy proudly wearing a „Cyclone Hailstorm Weather Enthusiast“ t-shirt. A total weather geek – but kind of cool that there are people who voluntarily get into all this chaos. Or those funny weather-themed hoodies covered in symbols for rain, hail, and storms. I mean, given the weather in some parts of the country, you can totally understand why. And then you have the hardcore version for meteorology students: The „What the Hail!“ hoodie. Some people really have a sense of humour.
But seriously, if you love your car or have plants on your terrace, it's better to be prepared. For example, there are protective covers for outdoor AC units or satellite dishes that shield them not just from rain, but also from hail and dust. Sounds like a hassle, but after a storm, if your car body looks like a golf ball, you'll regret not covering it. Just slip it on and you're done – these things are UV resistant and pretty durable. Same goes for your plants and any delicate pots: cover them or bring them inside if you can.
The next few hours are going to be intense. The sky will keep clouding over, and new storms could roll in well into the night. So keep your eyes open, secure any loose items on your balcony or terrace, and when it lightning: head inside. And don't stand near windows or use corded phones. And remember, after the storm, the sun usually comes out again – and then the air is so clear you can see for miles. That's the reward for weathering it out.
Stay safe and take care, everyone!