Hardly anyone enjoys being outdoors during thunder and lightning—especially not in the mountains. But what if you're suddenly caught by a weather change while hiking or cycling? Here, you'll learn how to react properly in such a situation and what you should not do during a thunderstorm in the mountains.
Avoid a thunderstorm through proper planning.
The ideal situation, of course, is to avoid getting caught in a thunderstorm on the mountain in the first place. Thanks to modern technology, it’s now possible to detect and predict thunderstorms and severe weather in advance. So, make sure to check the weather forecast before planning a mountain trip. Thunderstorms are also more common in the afternoon during the summer months. If you still want to go on an excursion, look for shorter routes that will ideally have you back home before noon. Additionally, on such days, it’s advisable to avoid via ferratas or routes with rope protection, as well as exposed summits.
The Signs of an Approaching Thunderstorm
Heat Thunderstorms are probably the most common type of storm in summer. They are characterized by their rapid onset and relatively short duration. Once such a heat thunderstorm has passed, no lasting deterioration in the weather is expected. Fortunately, these thunderstorms are also easy to recognize. On clear days, when small, puffy clouds (cumulus clouds) quickly gain in size (towering clouds) and take over the entire sky, piling up into massive formations (cloud towers), it’s an indication of an electrical discharge, and thus, a thunderstorm is imminent. Other signs include a rapidly increasing wind and electrically charged air, which is often noticeable by a humming or crackling sound. If you can already hear the first thunder in the distance, you should monitor the storm and count the time between the lightning strike and the following thunder. If the time is 10 seconds or more, the storm is still about 3 kilometers away.
How to Protect Yourself on the Mountain During a Thunderstorm
If you notice the first signs of a thunderstorm, you should head back down to the valley immediately. If that is no longer possible in time, closed buildings offer the best possible protection. Look out for shelters or emergency huts. If you can’t reach a building, seek shelter in depressions or under rock overhangs. However, always make sure to keep a safe distance from the rocks and avoid touching them. Stay away from exposed spots, such as a summit cross, a mast, or a lone tree. You should also avoid ridges or rocky outcrops during a thunderstorm in the mountains.
If the thunderstorm is already too close to find adequate shelter, the first thing you should do is get rid of any potential conductors (metal equipment). Ice axes, crampons, trekking poles, or carabiners can attract lightning, so place them some distance away from you. Once the storm has passed, you can safely collect them again. Seek a low-lying area. Do not lie flat on the ground! Instead, crouch down as small as possible. Ideally, stand on your feet. If that’s too tiring, you can sit down. Additionally, you can place your backpack or, if available, a foam mat beneath you and the ground. This way, you can avoid the surrounding ground conducting the lightning’s energy to you.
Even with the right technique, a thunderstorm in the mountains remains a serious danger. Therefore, always plan your routes according to the weather and, when in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution than to take unnecessary risks.
Credits: Pexels/Adrian Schmidt