What caused thunderstorms during onset of 2024 southwest monsoon in Karnataka? Study reveals

A recent study conducted by scientists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Bangalore University has uncovered the factors that contributed to the thunderstorms that accompanied the onset of the 2024 southwest monsoon in Karnataka. The monsoon advanced into the state on June 1 and covered the entire region by June 6, with Bengaluru experiencing the most intense activity, recording 111.1 mm of rain on June 3.

The researchers found that the storms were fueled by a combination of weather systems, including strong southwesterly winds, a strengthening Somali Jet, and a significant amount of moisture carried from the Arabian Sea towards the Western Ghats and the peninsula. The atmosphere was found to be highly unstable, with a Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) of 2,501 joules per kilogram and a Lifted Index of -3.67, indicating a strong likelihood of severe thunderstorms.

The study highlights the importance of combining large-scale wind analysis, satellite cloud-top imagery, and stability indices from balloon soundings to improve early warnings and enhance flood management for the region.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Hindu's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.