Lets Talk Climate Change | Western Disturbances and Climate Variability
Would you believe a storm born in the Mediterranean could shape life in the Himalayas?
From sudden cold spells and heavy fog to the rain and snow that sustain our northern plains and mountains, much of India’s winter climate is shaped by travelling storms known as western disturbances. In this talk, we delve into what science has uncovered about these storms: how they form, how they intensify, and how well we can monitor and predict their behaviour.
Formed over the Mediterranean and neighbouring regions, these powerful systems journey across continents before meeting the Himalayas, where moisture from the Arabian Sea transforms them into vital sources of rain and snow. They replenish glaciers, support rabi crops, and provide essential water security. But nature is always balanced, and these storms can also have disastrous impacts: triggering avalanches, flash floods, landslides, thunderstorms, and the extreme events that increasingly mark our winters.
As climate change alters their frequency, intensity, and interaction with the monsoon, understanding these systems becomes crucial for forecasting, water security, and disaster preparedness.
A session for anyone curious about weather, climate, and the forces shaping India’s future!
This session is part of the Let’s Talk Climate Change Talk series.