Tornadoes in India have seen a troubling increase in frequency, resulting in significant destruction in recent years. These violent storms are primarily observed in the eastern states, such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, particularly during the pre-monsoon period. However, there is growing evidence that tornadoes have also occurred in northwest India. A recent deadly tornado in the Mainaguri area of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal underscores this alarming trend.
A tornado is defined as a land-based vertical column of violently rotating air that originates from a thunderstorm and reaches the ground. Tornadoes can exhibit wind speeds ranging from 105 to 322 kilometers per hour. They may be stationary or travel at speeds of approximately 97 km/hr. Although tornadoes are relatively rare in India, they have been documented in both eastern and northwestern regions.
A 2016 study conducted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) highlighted tornado records in eastern India. Notably, a 1981 paper recorded the highest number of tornadoes, with 51 possible occurrences in Bengal, resulting in at least 18 fatalities. Tornadoes have been reported from various years, including between 1838-1963 and 1968-1981.
In northwest India, 15 tornadoes were recorded from 1903 to 2012, with 12 of those occurring between 1976 and 2010.
Tornadoes are most frequently found in countries like the United States, Argentina, and Bangladesh. In the US, meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) utilize satellite and radar data to monitor tornado activity. Conversely, India lacks an official tornado monitoring system, although the IMD acknowledged the recent tornado in West Bengal in its official release.
Climate scientist Raghu Murtugudde explains that tornado formation involves the collision of warm, moist air with dry, cool air in the presence of a low-pressure system. Essential conditions for tornado development include warm air, humidity, and rotational movement.
While tornadoes in India may not match the intensity of those in other regions, due to heterogeneous land and shorter travel distances, changing wind patterns across various Indian regions, especially in the east, are influencing their occurrence. Additional factors contributing to tornado formation include weak background winds during the pre-monsoon season and lower vertical wind speeds, which allow these storms to develop and persist.
In summary, the increasing presence of tornadoes in India can be attributed to a combination of warming ocean and land temperatures along with unusual wind patterns. As extreme weather events become more common, understanding their causes and improving monitoring systems are crucial for effective disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Q1. What causes tornadoes to form in India?
Answer: Tornadoes in India form due to the collision of warm, moist air and cool, dry air under low-pressure systems, creating the necessary conditions for cyclogenesis.
Q2. Are tornadoes common in India?
Answer: While tornadoes are relatively rare in India, their frequency has increased in recent years, particularly in the eastern states during the pre-monsoon period.
Q3. How does India monitor tornado activity?
Answer: Currently, India lacks a dedicated tornado monitoring system; however, the India Meteorological Department tracks significant tornado events when they occur.
Q4. What are the typical wind speeds of tornadoes?
Answer: Tornado wind speeds can vary widely, ranging from 105 to 322 kilometers per hour, depending on the tornado's strength and formation conditions.
Q5. What is the impact of climate change on tornado frequency?
Answer: Climate change is believed to influence weather patterns, potentially leading to an increased frequency of extreme weather events, including tornadoes in various regions, including India.
Question 1: What is the primary condition necessary for tornado formation?
A) Warm, moist air colliding with dry, cool air
B) High air pressure systems
C) Constant wind patterns
D) Humid environments without storms
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: Which region in India has reported the highest number of tornadoes?
A) Northwest India
B) Southern India
C) Eastern India
D) Central India
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is the maximum wind speed recorded for tornadoes?
A) 105 km/h
B) 150 km/h
C) 250 km/h
D) 322 km/h
Correct Answer: D
Question 4: Which organization is responsible for monitoring tornadoes in India?
A) National Weather Service
B) India Meteorological Department
C) Indian National Academy of Sciences
D) Indian Meteorological Society
Correct Answer: B
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