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Predicting thunderstorms is difficult because they form and dissipate quickly; their life is usually two hours. However, severe thunderstorms that impact a larger area and are of higher intensity like the ones that occurred on May 2, are less frequent.

Not having data about the smaller thunderstorms makes predicting larger ones difficult too.

The need of the hour, according to experts, is issuing accurate forecasts for a localised area in time to allow people to prepare. One major step is issuing medium term block level forecasts because thunderstorms can also have severe localised effects that are not captured by district level forecasts.

The ministry is also unveiling block level prediction system. The forecasts will be based on models with a resolution of 12 by 12 km and 10km by 10 km. Unlike nowcasts, that only come a few hours in advance, these will be issued 4-5 days in advance.

“If we can warn people in the morning that there will be a thunderstorm in the evening, people can do something, they need not go to office, schools can be shut,” Rajeevan said.

Climate change is expected to fuel more extreme weather events including thunderstorms. “The prediction of extreme and severe weather events will be very crucial in the next 10-20 years,” he added. ance with the Sena”.

“The BJP secured a good victory in Palghar. But, the way these elections were fought has been painful for us…” said Fadnavis. “Wanga’s family is our family and our doors will always be open for them. We are always open to discuss, but an alliance cannot be one-sided.”

The chief minister accepted defeat in Bhandara-gondiya, but said the “drought-like situation” in these districts were to be blamed for the loss.

The CM also addressed the issue of malfunctioning EVMS and VVPAT machines, which has led to other parties alleging rigging of polls. “The Election Commission should take a serious note of the malfunctioning of EVMS in these polls.”

Thackeray, in a press conference at Sena Bhavan in Dadar, slammed the poll panel over the malfunctioning of EVMS and VVPATS. He even questioned how the members of the poll panel are picked.

Fadnavis, however, said the EC was an independent body. “We had also raised grievances against malfunctioning of EVMS, seeking more time for voting but we were refused,” the CM said.

Meanwhile, senior NCP leader Praful Patel attributed his party’s victory on his home turf (Bhandara-gondiya) to various factors, including anger against the Bjp-led government and the opposition – Congress and NCP – working together.