Decoding the Colours of Weather
The first step to using IMD alerts effectively is understanding their colour-coded warning system. You will see these across news channels and weather apps. Green means 'No Warning,' indicating all is well. Yellow means 'Be Aware,' suggesting you should
keep an eye on the weather as it could change. An Orange alert means 'Be Prepared,' as there is a high likelihood of bad weather that could disrupt travel and daily life. The highest level is a Red alert, which means 'Take Action.' This indicates severe weather is expected, posing a threat to safety, and non-essential travel should be avoided. For rainfall, a red alert might be issued for forecasts exceeding 204.5 mm in 24 hours, which can cause widespread flooding.
Your Go-To Weather App: Mausam
The IMD’s primary mobile application is called ‘Mausam’. Available for Android and iOS, this app provides access to a wide range of weather information. It offers current weather conditions, hourly updates, and a seven-day forecast for thousands of locations across India. For travellers, its most valuable features are the location-specific forecasts and radar imagery. Before you head out, you can check the forecast for your destination and the areas you will be travelling through. The app also integrates warnings, so if your district is under a Yellow, Orange, or Red alert, the app will make it clear.
The Power of Nowcast for Immediate Decisions
For minute-by-minute planning, the IMD’s 'Nowcast' feature is indispensable. A Nowcast is a short-term forecast, typically valid for the next two to three hours. These alerts are highly localised, often issued at the district or even sub-district level. They warn of impending intense rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. This is the tool that can help you decide whether to leave the office now or wait an hour for a heavy spell to pass. The Mausam app delivers these Nowcast warnings, giving you a crucial, short-term advantage over the weather and helping you avoid getting caught in a sudden deluge or a freshly flooded underpass.
Don't Forget Lightning: The Damini App
Monsoon travel isn't just about avoiding rain; it's also about staying safe from lightning. The IMD, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), has developed the 'Damini' app specifically for lightning alerts. The app uses GPS to monitor lightning activity near your location. It provides alerts if lightning is detected within a 20 km to 40 km radius. It also gives instructions on safety precautions to take during a thunderstorm, making it an essential download for everyone, but especially for those travelling on two-wheelers or through open areas during the monsoon.
Integrating Alerts into Your Travel Plan
So, how do you put this all together? First, make checking the Mausam app a daily habit during monsoon season. Before any significant journey, check the five-day forecast and any active colour-coded warnings for your route. On the day of travel, look at the Nowcast alerts a few hours before you leave and just before you start your trip. If you see warnings for intense rain or thunderstorms, consider delaying your departure if possible. While driving, if you receive a lightning alert via the Damini app, it's a signal to find a safe, enclosed shelter and wait for the storm to pass. Combining these tools with a live traffic app on your phone gives you the best possible chance of a smooth and safe journey.
Know the Limitations
While these tools are incredibly powerful, it's important to have realistic expectations. Weather forecasting is a science of probability, and conditions can change rapidly. A forecast can be a little off, and technology can sometimes fail; for example, a crucial weather radar might be temporarily non-functional, requiring reliance on backup systems. The best approach is to use IMD alerts as your primary guide but remain flexible. Always have a backup plan, especially for long-distance travel. Inform someone of your route and estimated arrival time, and if conditions look too dangerous, the safest decision is always to postpone your journey. By staying informed and cautious, you can navigate the monsoon season more safely and with fewer delays.
