What You Need to Know About Sudden Pre-Monsoon Storms

As Nepal enters the pre-monsoon season, many regions, including Bhaktapur, have started experiencing sudden weather events—strong winds, heavy rainfall, thunder, and lightning. On Jestha 2, near the Bhaktapur District Court, a short but intense storm with wind speeds around 30 km/h, poor visibility, and frequent lightning occurred, capturing public attention. Events like these are becoming more common and intense due to rising temperatures and increasing urbanization.

To stay updated, it is highly recommended to follow the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Nepal Facebook page or install reliable apps like Windy on your mobile. These platforms provide real-time forecasts, storm alerts, and weather animations that help you plan and stay safe.

During such weather, avoid long routes, stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, and secure anything that could blow away in strong winds. Unplug electrical appliances during lightning, and always keep emergency tools like flashlights, power banks, and a basic first aid kit handy. These small steps can prevent big troubles.

Summary

On Jestha 2, a sudden storm event occurred near Bhaktapur District Court with strong winds (~30 km/h), heavy rainfall, and lightning, significantly reducing visibility. This is typical of a pre-monsoon convective storm, where intense surface heating and high humidity trigger rapid cloud formation (Oke, 1982). The violent wind and thunder suggest atmospheric instability common during late spring in Nepal. However, the increasing intensity of such events may be linked to climate change and urbanization, which alter local weather patterns (IPCC, 2023). Such storms, though seasonal, are becoming more extreme and unpredictable, demanding better local preparedness.

References:

Oke, T.R. (1982). The energetic basis of the urban heat island. QJ Royal Meteorological Society.

IPCC (2023). Sixth Assessment Report – Summary for Policymakers.




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Prashant Lamsal: Through My Eyes – By Ganesh Chapagain

The Story Behind the Project: From Classroom to Field ( Lamjung)

Exploring Panitar, Ilam – A 3-Day Field Experience as a Civil Engineer