Severe Thunderstorms & Hail Alert in Austria: First Powerful Heat Storm of the Season Expected
The sky over Styria has really darkened now, hasn't it? Just a moment ago, it was pleasantly warm, almost summery – and now this: Dark clouds, the first flashes on the horizon, and then it starts hailing. If you were out and about, you probably dashed for the nearest shelter pretty quickly. The first powerful heat thunderstorms are rolling across Austria, and the forecasts aren't looking good.
It really let loose, especially in the Mürztal area. The folks there know the drill: Just wait it out until the shower passes. But when the hailstones get as big as marbles, you definitely find yourself peeking out the window to check if your car is still okay. A friend of mine just got his convertible out of winter storage – looks like it's heading straight back into the garage. Farmers are especially on edge every time the sky looks like this. The fruit trees have just blossomed, and if heavy hail comes down, the harvest is ruined. It's just devastating.
Meteorologists are now sounding the alarm for the rest of the day and tonight: It's going to get really intense. Besides Styria, parts of Lower Austria and Burgenland are also expected to be badly hit. The latest calculations show the storm cells are building up more and more. Honestly, if anyone's still planning a hike, you better turn back. Mountain peaks are often the perfect lightning rod. And even down in the valley, you can get caught out if you seek shelter under a tree – just don't do it! Better to just pop into a café for a bit and wait for the worst to pass.
You know what always fascinates me? Our old farming proverbs and the shorthand used in weather diaries back in the day. For example, they'd write stuff like:
- Hgl. for Hail
- Gew. for Thunderstorm
- Str. for Storm
- Wttl. for Heat lightning
- tr. for cloudy and h. for clear
- Rg. for Rain, Sch. for Snow
- Nrg. for Drizzle, N. for Fog
- Frn. for Freezing fog and HN. for High fog
Sounds complicated, but our grandfathers could read these signs to predict how the summer would turn out. Nowadays, we've got weather apps on our phones for that – but it's not quite the same, is it?
It's also interesting how much people are into the weather. I saw a guy recently proudly wearing a “Tornado Hail Weather Storm Enthusiast” short-sleeve T-shirt. A real weather nerd – but kinda cool that there are people who willingly dive 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 totally understand it. Here in Austria, we could probably use one too. And then there's the hardcore version for meteorologists: The “What the Hail!” sweatshirt. Some people really have a sense of humour.
But jokes aside, if you love your car or have your grill out on the patio, better be prepared. There's stuff like the ORSEM LNB weather protection cover, which protects not just from rain, but also hail, snow, and ice. Might seem like a bit of a hassle, but trust me, nothing beats the feeling of regret when your car's bodywork looks like a golf ball after a storm. Just pop it on and you're set – it's UV-resistant and can take a beating. The same goes for your plants and delicate garden beds: cover them up or bring them inside if you can.
The next few hours are going to be quite something. The sky will keep clouding over, and new thunderstorms could roll in well into the night. So keep your eyes peeled, secure any loose items on your balcony or patio, and if lightning strikes: head indoors. And don't bother with the old wives' tale about avoiding corded phones (it's mostly a myth, but lightning can still hit the lines). Just remember: After the storm, the sun usually comes out again – and then the air is so crisp and clear you can see all the way to the Alps. That's your reward for hanging in there.
Stay safe, everyone, and take care!