Unseasonal rainfall likely to continue, experts advise precautions against thunderstorms, hail

Hyderabad: Unseasonal rains continued for the second day in Telangana, with scattered thunderstorms spread across the state. The north and central regions of Telangana witnessed heavy rainfall, including Hyderabad with scattered thunderstorms, although in diminished intensity from the previous day.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert in many districts of Telangana for the next three days, with thunderstorms likely to rain down from March 17 to 19.

Although residents of Telangana were surprised and delighted to receive relief from the first spell of summer, hailstorms were reported in parts of the state, which disrupted traffic in Zaheerabad town for half an hour. Meanwhile, Marpalle village in Vikarabad was covered in stunning white due to heavy hail showers.

The change in weather, however, brought sadness to some as it caused extensive crop damage. Sugarcane and jowar crops, and vegetable farms, were destroyed in the storm, and there were reports of paddy crop damage in Siddipet and Medak.

According to T Balaji, popularly known as Telangana Weatherman on Twitter, the most significant period for rainfall is expected between March 18 and 19, with massive thunderstorms and a few hailstorms anticipated. He also described the rains in Hyderabad as a “powerful downpour with a typical rainy season feel.”

The southern districts of Telangana, including Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Gadwal, Narayanpet, Nalgonda, Hyderabad, and Vikarabad are expected to receive occasional spells of heavy rain throughout the day. The rains are expected to move into central Telangana, including Yadadri Bhongir, Medchal, Sangareddy, Jangaon, Warangal, and Medak.

Hailstorms in hilly regions

Residents of hilly regions should be prepared for the possibility of hailstorms, as these areas are particularly prone to this weather phenomenon. Hailstorms occur when strong updrafts in thunderstorms lift water droplets high into the atmosphere, where they freeze into ice pellets. These pellets, called hailstones, can grow to several inches in diameter before falling to the ground, damaging crops, buildings, and vehicles.

Experts say that hilly regions are more susceptible to hailstorms due to the terrain's effect on the atmosphere. As air masses move across hills and mountains, they are forced to rise and fall, creating areas of uplift and downdrafts that can enhance thunderstorm development. Additionally, the colder temperatures at higher elevations can facilitate the formation of hailstones. As a result, residents of hilly regions may experience more frequent and severe hailstorms than those living in flatter areas.

Authorities advise residents to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions such as seeking shelter indoors or moving vehicles to covered areas during hailstorms. Hailstorms can pose a significant threat to life and property, so it's important to be prepared and take appropriate action to stay safe.

Hailstorm kills goatherd, 40 goats

While the recent hailstorm and cool weather brought joy to many in Telangana, it has given way to tragedy too. A 22-year-old goatherd in Chintala Thanda of Nagarjuna Sagar Mandal, Saidanayak, and his 40 goats died from a lightning strike. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the danger of lightning strikes and highlights the importance of taking precautions during thunderstorms. Seeking shelter under a tree during a lightning storm is not a safe option, and it's essential to stay indoors or in a safe shelter until the storm passes.

Andhra Pradesh Weather

On Friday, Andhra Pradesh witnessed less thunderstorm activity, as predicted. However, weather forecasters advise people to stay safe from lightning strikes, and not to venture out during thunderstorms. On Friday, the state will see rains in all Godavari districts, and then some rains along Visakhapatnam, Annamayya and some parts of Tirupati districts.

From March 18, rainfall will increase drastically with a focus on Visakhapatnam city.

According to Praneeth, popularly known as AP weatherman on Twitter, “Intense storms have been triggered near Chennai and are rushing straight into Andhra Pradesh. Till evening, we can expect thunderstorms on and off and rains along Tirupati and West parts of Nellore districts along with some parts of Chittoor.”

The IMD informed that the ferry service across the Godavari River has been suspended due to thunderstorms, hailstorms heavy rain and strong winds.

Places in AP that received the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours

1. Koilkuntla, Nandyal - 98 mm

2. Jaggayyapeta, NTR - 74 mm

3. Kuppam, Chittoor - 63 mm

4. Uppalapadu, Prakasam - 62 mm

5. Dampetla, Sathya Sai - 61 mm

6. Garikapadu, NTR - 60 mm

7. Totavalasa, ASR - 56 mm

8. Allagadda, Nandyal - 53 mm

9. Darimadugu, Prakasam - 52 mm

10. Ponnur, Guntur - 51 mm