In 2023, Delhi experienced intense thunderstorms due to the convergence of three significant weather systems. These systems created a dynamic environment conducive to severe weather, impacting many areas across north India.
The thunderstorms were primarily influenced by:
These weather systems converged in the lower troposphere over northwest India. The regions particularly affected included Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi-NCR.
A western disturbance is a weather phenomenon originating from the Mediterranean region that moves eastward. This system caused an upper air cyclonic circulation over north Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, which, upon interacting with easterly winds, triggered strong thunderstorms.
While thunderstorms are common in May, the storms of 2023 were notably different. This year recorded the highest frequency of storms and rainfall amounts in decades, marking it as the wettest May on record for Delhi.
The storms have had severe consequences, resulting in:
On May 25, wind speeds reached up to 82 km/hr at Delhi’s Safdarjung weather station, indicating the intensity of the storm.
Experts suggest that the increasing frequency of such weather events may indicate changing climate patterns. The prevalent convergence of high temperatures, humidity, and strong winds could be a sign of broader climatic shifts.
The western disturbance moved eastward, initially impacting north Punjab before entering Delhi-NCR through Haryana. This movement facilitated the interaction with strong easterly winds, leading to widespread storms.
Looking ahead, weather forecasts indicate that thunderstorms and light rain are expected to continue this week as similar conditions persist across the region.
Q1. What caused the recent intense thunderstorms in Delhi?
Answer: The storms were caused by the convergence of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea, and a western disturbance with upper air cyclonic circulations.
Q2. Where did these systems interact?
Answer: These systems converged in the lower troposphere over northwest India, particularly affecting regions like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi-NCR.
Q3. How did the storm system move across regions?
Answer: The western disturbance moved eastward, impacting north Punjab first and then entering Delhi-NCR via Haryana, where it interacted with strong easterlies to cause storms.
Q4. What kind of damage have the storms caused?
Answer: The storms have resulted in 12 deaths and caused significant damage to infrastructure, including trees, walls, power lines, and poles due to high winds and heavy rain.
Q5. Will such weather continue in the coming days?
Answer: Yes, additional thunderstorms with light rain are expected this week as the prevailing weather conditions remain similar.
Question 1: What is the primary cause of the recent thunderstorms in Delhi?
A) Warm ocean currents
B) Convergence of weather systems
C) Volcanic activity
D) Earthquake-induced weather changes
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What role does a western disturbance play in weather patterns?
A) Causes drought
B) Triggers heavy rainfall
C) Stabilizes weather
D) Prevents thunderstorms
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How fast were the winds recorded during the thunderstorms in Delhi?
A) 50 km/hr
B) 60 km/hr
C) 82 km/hr
D) 90 km/hr
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which region was first affected by the western disturbance before reaching Delhi?
A) Rajasthan
B) Haryana
C) Jammu & Kashmir
D) Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is the significance of the thunderstorms occurring in May 2023?
A) They indicate a decrease in rainfall.
B) They represent the highest storm frequency in decades.
C) They are unrelated to climate change.
D) They are the first recorded storms of the year.
Correct Answer: B
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