BEWARE OF STORMS IN THE MOUNTAINS, DANGERS THAT ARE OFTEN UNDERESTIMATED
Climbing is now a favorite activity for many people. In addition to physically and mentally challenging, the mountains also offer incredible views and a serene atmosphere that is rare in cities. But behind its beauty, there’s one thing that climbers often overlook — mountain storms.
The weather on the mountain can change as quickly as the blink of an eye. From the clear sky it can suddenly become dark, strong winds come, then heavy rain pours. If you are not prepared, situations like this can be very dangerous. Let’s discuss why storms occur in the mountains and how to stay safe when dealing with them.
Why Do Storms Easily Occur in the Mountains?
The mountain has its own weather system. The hot air from the valley rises upwards and meets the cold air at the heights, forming large clouds. If the clouds are thick enough, heavy rain and even lightning can occur. Typically, storms most often come during the day to evening, when the air is warmest.
In addition, in the mountains we are more “exposed”, there are not many shelters, especially on the summit or ridge paths. That’s why storms in the mountains can feel more ferocious than in the lowlands.
Storm Hazards to Watch Out for
Storms are not just about rain. Many other risks arise at the same time, such as:
- Lightning. Mountain peaks and open areas can be targets for lightning strikes.
- Heavy rain and strong winds. It can make the path slippery, blur the view, and even trigger landslides.
- Cold and hypothermia. A body that is wet and blown away by cold wind can lose heat quickly.
- Getting lost or difficult to evacuate. Visibility decreases, the road that was once clear can be blurred by fog or rain.
So, never think of storms as just a “small test” on the climb. Hurricanes are serious situations that need to be dealt with calmly and strategically.
Preparation Before Climbing
Before climbing the mountain, make sure you prepare yourself and your equipment carefully:
- Check the weather forecast from trusted sources, not just friends or social media.
- Start hiking early, as storms are more frequent towards the afternoon.
- Use waterproof and windproof clothing, and prepare a light raincoat.
- Bring emergency gear, such as small shelters, gloves, and dry bags for essential items.
- Plan an alternate route if conditions change suddenly.
Experienced climbers also usually have a “turn-around time”, which is a time limit to decide when to descend if the weather starts to deteriorate.
What to Do When a Storm Comes?
If a storm is coming, don’t panic. Focus on these safe measures:
- Immediately find a low spot for shelter, avoid peaks, ridges, or single trees.
- Stay away from metals and large rocks, as they can conduct lightning strikes.
- If there is no shelter, sit with your feet together on a non-conductive mat (such as a bag or heavy jacket).
- Avoid waterways and steep valleys as they are at risk of flooding or landslides.
- Wait for the storm to completely subside before continuing the journey.
Remember, safety is more important than reaching the top.
Additional Tips for Climbers
In addition to preparations and emergency measures, it is also important to always be sensitive to the signs of weather changes. Clouds that accumulate in the dark, the air temperature suddenly drops, or the rumbling sound from a distance are usually a sign of an upcoming storm. Never force yourself to keep going up if the weather starts to get worse — the decision to go down faster shows that you’re a wise climber.
Practicing weather reading skills is also very helpful, because by understanding nature, you can make more informed decisions in critical situations. If you’re new to climbing, try joining an experienced climber or guide who knows the mountain’s character. In addition to being safer, you can also learn a lot directly from their experience.
Climbing education is not only about being physically strong or having complete equipment. But also about awareness and readiness to face unpredictable nature. Mountain storms are not the enemy, but a reminder that nature always has more power than we do. With good knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy the beauty of the mountain without neglecting safety.
So, before you hit your next hike, make sure you’re prepared — not just your body, but also your mind and knowledge of mountain weather.
