The Kal Vaisakhi has been active, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of thunderstorms, rain and strong winds in several districts in Bihar. It is the weather system that is common in the pre-monsoon season, and it is expected to affect at least 19 districts, leading to authorities issuing warnings of caution.
The Kal Vaisakhi (or Nor’westers) are severe convective storms that tend to take place in the eastern regions of the country in April and May. These are storms that are marked by unexpected weather changes, which include gusty winds, lightning and brief spurts of heavy rain. Although they usually bring temporary solutions to the increase in temperatures, they might be dangerous to both life and property.
Meteorological authorities say that the wind can be as strong as 60 km/h in the present spell, and thunderstorms and lightning are probable in various areas. Power lines, weak structures, and trees are more likely to be damaged due to the combination of strong winds and lightning. The risk is increased also to individuals who work outdoors especially the farmers and daily wage workers.
The warning has been put in place in districts that are located in various regions of the state; both urban and rural areas are likely to be impacted. The intensity of rainfall could be different, yet localized heavy rainfall might cause temporary waterlogging in lowlands. Moreover, lightning attacks are still a significant issue since Bihar has recorded victims of lightning attacks in the past.
Weather scientists attribute the present weather to the encounter of wet winds in the Bay of Bengal with a western disturbance in the northern part of India, and localized weather instability. The combination of these conditions leads to the favourable conditions to form thunderstorm clouds that generate Kal Vaisakhi activity.
The state government has encouraged people to be vigilant and practice safety measures. People have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees, and keep away from electric poles and water bodies during lightning. The farmers have also been requested to be cautious to ensure that standing and harvested crops are not affected by sudden weather changes.
Although the storms can possibly offer some relief to the heat that is being experienced, the authorities are concerned that people should be on high alert in the next 24 to 48 hours. Emergency services have also been placed on standby to take care of any incidents that may arise due to the unfavourable weather conditions.
As the Kal Vaisakhi activity gains momentum, Bihar is preparing to face a season of stormy weather, highlighting the vagaries of pre-monsoon weather in the state.
