What’s causing hailstorms in Hyderabad? IMD sounds high alert

Hyderabad: Many parts of Hyderabad and its neighbouring districts were hit by sudden hailstorms and heavy rain, bringing a sharp contrast to the rising summer temperatures.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Hyderabad has issued an immediate Nowcast warning, placing several districts on high alert for the next few hours.

Videos of falling hail go viral

The sudden shift in weather has left residents wondering why the city is experiencing hailstorms in the middle of March.

Residents in the city took to social media to share the videos of falling hail in their neighbourhood as well.

Why is Hyderabad experiencing hailstorms?

According to meteorologists, hailstorms during this period, often referred to as the pre-monsoon season, are caused by intense heating of the land during the day.

This heat causes moisture-laden air from the seas (Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea) to rise rapidly, forming tall convective clouds known as Cumulonimbus.

Inside these clouds, strong updrafts carry water droplets high into the freezing layers of the atmosphere, where they turn into ice. When these ice pellets become too heavy for the wind to support, they fall as hailstones.

The IMD forecast for March 25 specifically noted that ‘hailstorms are very likely to occur in parts of the city towards evening or night,’ driven by these unstable atmospheric conditions.

High alert for next 3 hours

The IMD has issued a priority alert on March 25 and stated that moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds of 30-50 kmph and hailstorms, are expected in the following districts:

- Medchal-Malkajgiri

- Nalgonda

- Ranga Reddy

- Yadadri Bhuvanagiri

Impact on Hyderabad

For the Greater Hyderabad region, the IMD has predicted a ‘partly cloudy sky with light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds (40-50 kmph) and hailstorms.’

The weather office warned of several potential disruptions:

Traffic and Roads: Water pooling on roads and low-lying areas is expected at many locations, leading to significant traffic congestion.

Infrastructure: High-speed winds may cause trees and electric poles to fall.

Utilities: Residents should be prepared for electricity and water supply disturbances for a few hours.

Safety: Wet and slippery roads are expected, posing a risk to commuters.

Avoid trees and electric poles, says IMD advisory

Given the severity of the winds and the hail, the weather department has advised the following:

Restricted Movement: Citizens are advised to stay indoors during the storm and avoid standing under trees or near electric poles.

Municipal Action: Necessary advisories may be issued by the Municipal Corporation for clearing waterlogged areas.

Departmental Coordination: Response forces, as well as the road and rail traffic departments, have been advised to take precautions and actions for traffic regulation.