Fatal Thunderstorms in Northern India: An Unusual Atmospheric…

A recent thunderstorm in northern India has resulted in 59 fatalities, attributed to unusual weather patterns and prolonged winter disturbances affecting the monsoon. Meteorologists cite a blend of atmospheric conditions fueled by Western Disturbances and Arctic warming as key factors. As India braces for weather implications, experts warn of potential agricultural and infrastructural challenges ahead.

At least 59 individuals in northern India tragically lost their lives due to a thunderstorm that struck late Wednesday, linking to uncharacteristic weather disturbances that have disrupted the monsoon. Reports indicate that several incidents—including lightning strikes and structural collapses—were connected to this extreme weather event, according to officials on Thursday.

Meteorologists have been analyzing the storm and found that it resulted from an unusual mix of atmospheric conditions. Multiple low-pressure systems, a surfeit of moisture coming from both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, and significant daytime heating created what experts call an atmospheric cocktail. This was further compounded by the continuing influence of Western Disturbances, a winter weather phenomenon that normally regresses by the summer months.

M. Rajeevan, previously the secretary of India’s ministry of Earth Sciences, explained that these disturbances, which usually move northward during summer, have lingered much longer this year. “You expect western disturbances to move north of the Indian region in April, May, June months. However, in several years, they continue to have an impact in summer, which is not ideal for the monsoon,” he said.

In addition, recent research suggests that shifts in the Arctic—like unprecedented heat—are influencing atmospheric patterns worldwide, including the monsoon in India. Warmer conditions have been seen in places like Iceland and western Greenland, where temperatures are rising faster than expected for this time of year, further impacting the jet stream and weather systems across continents.

Rajeevan elaborated on how the accumulated atmospheric instability from these conditions produced thunderstorms. “There was a cyclonic circulation and a trough impacting the northern region. Adding to this was ample moisture and very high temperatures, creating instability,” he noted. This instability, he mentioned, can create a system of moving bubbles that can lead to heavy rain and storms, a situation somewhat out of the ordinary though not entirely unpredicted.

While the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported no active western disturbances at the time of the storm, Mahesh Palawat from Skymet posited that the cyclonic circulations were a result of several mild disturbances in the region. He mentioned a specific circulation over southern Punjab that could lead to more dust storms and thunderstorms across northwest India until May 27.

In terms of the storm impact, Uttar Pradesh suffered significantly, with lightning and structural failures resulting in multiple fatalities—including children. Reports included various tragic stories, like that of a 26-year-old crushed by a falling wall and a constable who died in a motorcycle accident caused by a storm-felled tree.

In the capital, Delhi, the storm’s intensity was palpable as winds reached up to 79 km/hr, leading to chaos. Temperatures dropped from a staggering 37°C to 23°C within an hour, accompanied by substantial rainfall that disrupted airport operations and damaged critical infrastructure.

Looking ahead, a low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea may evolve into a depression, potentially starting the monsoon in Kerala a few days earlier than average. Yet, Rajeevan expressed concern that persistence of these Western Disturbances could derail the monsoon’s normal progression.

Finally, this storm illustrates how interconnected our climate systems are, with phenomena thousands of miles away—like Arctic warming—having a direct impact on weather patterns in India. It raises important questions about future climatic changes that could disrupt agriculture, urban areas, and the essential monsoon system vital for millions of lives.

The recent thunderstorm in northern India, resulting in at least 59 deaths, underscores the complex effects of climate change and unusual weather patterns. Atmospheric disturbances traditionally linked to winter have extended into summer, leading to severe weather events. Experts warn these trends could significantly impact monsoon patterns and overall weather systems. Continued observation and research are crucial in mitigating the agricultural and infrastructure repercussions of such extreme climate variability.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com