Hyderabad: In Hyderabad, weather forecasts are often extensive. Although some parts of the city were hit by thunderstorms, others remained dry and sunny for only a few kilometers, which frustrated residents and the weather app struggled to keep up.
The city has 157 automatic weather stations (AWS) collect data every hour, but experts say the accuracy of neighbor level in large and terrain-complex metropolis like Hyderabad is still insufficient. These stations track data every hour and are designed to capture local conditions more accurately. However, this is not always enough when choosing favorites for the act of rain. The short drive can be from dry patches to the streets of the mouth of water, which is not yet effectively mapped by national and global weather applications.
Tuesday’s rain highlighted the problem. IMD issued a forecast at 2.20 pm warning of moderate rain and thunderstorms until 4p pm in parts of Telangana (including Hyderabad). However, before the alarm, the downpour had already scattered over the part of Manikonda, Narsingi and Nanakramguda. When the forecast reaches many users, the rain has come or they are completely missed.
Results: Distrust of the app, many Hyderabadis turned to hyper-terrestrial telegraph groups, local weather trackers, and even word of mouth from neighbors. Some rely on old-fashioned observations – dark clouds shroud Gachibowli? Next, it may rain in Madhapur. “It’s sunny all day. I’m soaked in five minutes,” said Ramya Rao, a commuter at Tolichowki.
“Now, I carry a small umbrella all year round. Hyderabad doesn’t believe in predicting discipline.” It’s not only inconvenience. Unreliable forecasts can affect transportation, school pickups, delivery and even outdoor activities.
Plus, the focus is on climate change. IMD scientists noted that Telangana is now receiving most of the rain during a brief and intense outbreak. These events are difficult to predict and are more destructive. “The pattern of rain has changed. Rain is less rainy, but fewer extreme events,” the official said.
Before weather technology catches up, residents will learn about life with a certain degree of unpredictability – as well as the habit of carrying umbrellas, just in case.
