Guwahati has always been known for its unpredictable weather. One moment you see clear skies, and the very next, heavy rainfall with loud lightning strikes shake the entire city. If you live in Guwahati, you’ve probably experienced nights when the whole sky lights up, and the roaring sound of thunder feels like it’s coming straight into your room. But have you ever wondered — why do clouds make noise? Why do thunderstorms sound so scary during monsoons in Assam? Let’s explore the science, the local experience, and some safety tips.
The Monsoon Drama in Guwahati 🌧️⚡
Every year, during the months of May to September, Guwahati receives intense rainfall as part of the Southwest Monsoon. Along with rain, lightning and thunder become a common sight. Sometimes the sound is so loud that it feels like the clouds are clashing right above your head.
- Heavy Rainfall: Guwahati often records over 2000 mm of rainfall annually, much of it concentrated in these few months.
- Frequent Thunderstorms: Assam is one of the lightning-prone regions of India. The open hills, valleys, and the Brahmaputra River basin make thunderstorms more frequent and intense.
Why Do Clouds Make Noise? The Science of Thunder
The loud noise you hear during rainfall isn’t exactly clouds “shouting” at each other, but something even more fascinating: thunder.Here’s how it works:
- Lightning Strikes: During a thunderstorm, clouds build up a large amount of electrical energy. When this energy is released, we see it as a flash of lightning.
- Air Expansion: Lightning heats up the air around it to around 30,000°C — five times hotter than the surface of the sun!
- Shock Waves: The superheated air expands explosively, creating a shock wave. That shock wave travels through the atmosphere as the rumbling sound we call thunder.
Why Is Thunder Louder in Guwahati?
Many Guwahatians feel that thunder is louder here than in other parts of India — and they’re not wrong. Some reasons include:- Moisture-Rich Atmosphere: The Brahmaputra basin traps huge amounts of humidity, making thunderstorms stronger.
- Hilly Surroundings: Echoes from the Khasi, Jaintia, and Karbi hills amplify the booming sound.
- Urban Expansion: In areas with tall buildings, the sound bounces, making thunder feel more powerful.
So, when you hear the sky roaring, it’s a mix of nature’s power and Guwahati’s unique geography.
Lightning in Assam: A Real Danger
While the sound of thunder is harmless, lightning itself is very dangerous. In fact, Assam records one of the highest lightning strike rates in India. Every year, lives, property, and even wildlife are affected by lightning in the region.
Safety Tips During Lightning:
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms.
- Avoid standing under trees or near electric poles.
- Unplug electrical devices to prevent damage.
- If outside, stay away from open fields and water bodies.
A Local Experience 🌩️
Ask any Guwahatian about monsoon nights, and they’ll describe scenes of:
- Flickering lights before a power cut.
- Heavy downpour drowning out conversations.
- Children hiding under blankets when the sky rumbles.
- That one sudden thunderclap that feels like it shook the entire city!
These experiences, though scary, are part of Guwahati’s charm. Rainy nights, steaming cups of tea, and stories shared during power cuts are memories every local holds close.
The Sky’s Music of Power
Next time you hear the loud noise of thunder in Guwahati, remember — it’s not just clouds fighting, but the sound of nature’s electricity at work. Heavy lightning and rainfall may cause inconvenience, but they also remind us of the raw beauty and power of nature.
So, the next time Guwahati’s skies roar, instead of fear, you might feel a sense of wonder — because now you know why clouds make noise. 🌩️
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