The SAARC STORM: A coordinated field experiment on severe thunderstorm observations and regional modeling over the South Asian region

Abstract

The Severe Thunderstorm Observations and Regional Modeling (STORM) program was originally conceived for understanding the severe thunderstorms locally known as 'kal baisakhi' or nor'westers that affect West Bengal and the northeastern parts of India during the premonsoon season. Widespread damage to crops and livestock including destruction of more than 14,000 ha of maize occurred. The storm uprooted trees, displaced rooftops, and snapped telephone and electricity lines in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Realizing the importance of these extreme weather events and their socioeconomic impact, the India Department of Science and Technology started the nationally coordinated Severe Thunderstorm Observation and Regional Modeling (STORM) program in 2005. With gradual organization of desired observational support involving interested academic groups over eastern and northeastern India, two pilot experimental campaigns were conducted during the premonsoon seasons.