Latest news with #Windy
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
How to catch the drama in the sky
TimePre-MonsoonPlace BeliaghataPhotographed by Sammya Brata When most of us seek cover at the first thunderclap, some enthusiasts grab their gear, check radars, and head straight into the eye of the taught themselves to read weather patterns and track Kalbaisakhis with precision. A bunch of everyday professionals – lawyers, IT experts, and entrepreneurs are driven by a passion for extreme weather that push them to chase storms. We spoke to some of these extreme weather photographers toknow more about their preps, the gear, and the thrill of capturing Bengal's wild skies. It's not a job to them, it's part science, part madness – and all ofit, entirely intentional. 'Distance is key, never chase' Strategies are key for extreme weather photographers. It is crucial for them to keep atleast a 9km distance from the eye of the storm, while simultaneously tracking its movement with radar and choosing rural routes to avoid traffic. 'We never chase head-on,' says Debarshi Duttagupta, another member of Kolkata Cloud Chasers. 'We set up cameras outside during lightning strikes, and monitor them from inside the car,' he adds. Sammya Brata, a solo cloud chaser, who picked up the hobby during the pandemic advises, 'Never go outside with a phone during lightning. Use a tripod and stay under cover.' Beyond the thrill For Joyjeet Mukherjee, also known as 'Boltanator', storm chasing isn't a sport but an emotional pursuit. 'There's no commercial angle to it,' he says. To him, it all began with a passion for photographing sunsets, but has now grown into full-scale storm chasing spree. Even while he is travelling, his cameras, be it mobile phones or DSLRs, are always ready. 'I captured a lightning strike photo from an airplane recently' he adds But safety is crucial. 'This isn't just for likes,' he warns. Lightning is especially dangerous; there are instances of chasers being hit, or narrow escapes. During cyclone Remal, while Chirasree went to Bakkhali, Joyjeet and his team tracked the system over Basirhat and Taki. 'It felt like a scene from a movie. It is unforgettable,' he adds. Time: MonsoonPlace: Ruby CrossingPhotographed by: Alipriya Ghosh Chasing storms by data, not chance Suman Ghosh, who has been chasing storms for over a decade with Kolkata Cloud Chasers* says, 'When it gets stormy, chasers scan weather apps, IMD bulletins, and satellite maps for cues like temperature shifts, dew points, wind shear, as well as instability.' Fellow cloud chaser Chirasree adds, 'If you're just driving after clouds, you're already too late, as it needs to be tracked hours in advance.' Alipriya Ghosh, a solo extreme weather photographer says, 'I track storms online, but as soon as I sense a brewing storm, I'm ready on the terrace to capture the moment.' Time: Nor'wester seasonPlace : KharagpurPhotographed by Chirasree Chakraborty Storm chaser's kit Apps: Keep apps like Windy, Weather Doc, IMD satellite maps, Blitzortung lightning tracker handy Gear: DSLR or high-speed phone camera, remote trigger, tripod and car mounts are essential Communication: Citizens Band (CB) radios — walkie-talkie-style devices that work on FM frequencies can help to stay connected during chases Car essentials: GPS tablet, sand ladders, winch, tow ropes, emergency lights, water bottles Safety: Keep Rubber insulators handy, phone fully charged, tyres checked and fuel topped up Planning: Proper pre-planning is non-negotiable — keep exit routes mapped before the chase begins Dos: Study IMD maps, radars, wind patterns, and satellite images before heading out Pack cameras with waterproof covers, power banks, a tripod, and a backup phone Keep your vehicle fuelled Have a clear exit plan Keep someone live location shared with someone Don'ts: Chase storms without checking forecasts Chase the storm, keep a safe distance Ignore IMD warnings Park your car under trees or power lines Go solo, it's better to chase in pairs or groups A cloud chasing group that includes Suman Kumar Ghosh, Chirasree Chakraborty, Debarshi Duttagupta, Diganta Gogoi, Joyjeet Mukherjee, Krishnendu Chakraborty, Indranil Kar and Abhishek Saigal Quotes Kolkata used to get seven to nine Kalboishakhis earlier, but now it's down to one or two. Pollution, heating of the Bay of Bengal and urban expansion are breaking up storms befor they reach the city– Debarshi Duttagupta, a cloud chaserWe don't always succeed and this isn't for never let anyone join without proper research or experience. It's purely out of love for extreme weather photography – Chirasree Chakraborty, a cloud chaser Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Time of India
‘Bikepacking helps you see the world around you differently'
Sudhanshu Verma Guillaume Lemaitre I met a bunch of cyclists and joined them. They would meet every morning and eventually, this experience empowered me to pick up cycling and go bikepacking ,' says Sudhanshu Verma, a wedding photographer and founder of a travel company. For many, bikepacking offers an escape from the digital world—a slow, physical antidote to the constant stream of emails and notifications. It allows you to observe the world in a new way and discover your inner self. Ahead of World Bicycle Day (June 3), we talk to bikepacking enthusiasts who are redefining adventure and human connection through their cycles. What is bikepacking? Bikepacking, a hybrid of mountain biking and minimalist backpacking, is rapidly growing into a global movement. Combining freedom, self-sufficiency, and a raw connection to nature, this form of cycling adventure has struck a chord with those looking to escape fast-paced urban lives and rediscover slow travel. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Dodge Ram 1500 Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) MorninJoy Undo 'Bikepacking can be a life-changing experience' Bikepacking is now being embraced by those seeking a slower, more meaningful way to live. Sudhanshu says, 'My life changed when I rode from Jaipur to Kanyakumari. I believe everyone should experience this once. It heals you.' For Guillaume Lemaitre, a former COO at a fintech startup in Amsterdam, the journey began as an escape. 'When I was 13, I took part in cycling competitions in Belgium. I really loved it, but I was fed up with the competition part of cycling and corporate life,' he says. Guillaume has been bikepacking for nearly a year now, riding from Belgium to Australia to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis, a condition his sister suffers from. 'People in India are always ready to help and host you' Bikepacking doesn't have to be a solo sport. Dr Jinal Vora, who has been travelling with his wife (Vishva) and two-and-a-half-years-old daughter (Hasti), says, 'Bikepacking helps you find your inner self and lets you see the world around you differently. It has made our family's bond stronger because you spend long hours understanding each other in tough, demanding times.' Talking about how strangers help without any hesitation, he says, 'People have helped us a lot; they would even make food specially for us. People in India are ready to help and host you when needed.' Guillaume agrees, 'The generosity everywhere is just amazing. It surprises me all the time. I have eaten and slept at people's houses. I always found a shelter. In the west, we work for comfort. In India, people are happy with what they have. This journey has taught me to always stay humble.' Dr Jinal Vora and Vishwa Vora ' Route planning and preparation are vital' Route planning is vital while bikepacking. Sudhanshu, who relies on apps like Windy, OsmAnd and AccuWeather to track wind, rain, and terrain, says, 'I look for gradients, contour lines, and trails where villagers or trekkers are already active.' Guillaume's strategy is all about surviving. He shares, 'I always check for gas stations or eating spots. If they aren't there, I stock up on oats, instant noodles, and energy bars.' Some popular trails in Asia Manali to Leh Spiti Valley The Annapurna Circuit (Nepal) Tso Kar, Ladakh Chennai–Puducherry Essential gear for bikepacking Tubes & puncture patches Water bottle 2–3 pairs of clothes Shifter & brake cables Brake pads Chains Sleeping bag Small stove Dehydrated food First-aid kit Solar charger or power bank Written by: Yashaswi Kochar
Irish Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland on storm alert as weather warning issued for brutal 7-hour event
Parts of Ireland are set to be zapped by lightning over the coming hours while thunderstorms rumble. Met Eireann has issued an immediate thunderstorm warning, bringing with it a dramatic lightning display. The Status Yellow alert, active from 1pm until 8pm, covers Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Laois and Offaly, where scattered thunderstorms, flashes of lightning and spot flooding are expected to disrupt the evening. These counties may already be hearing distant rumbles as the storm system moves in. Despite the storm risk, these western areas are set to be the warmest in the country today, with temperatures soaring to 22C. This spike in thunderstorm activity follows weeks of calm, mild weather. Experts say this mix of heat and moisture is creating perfect conditions for thunderstorms, which are typical for this time of year but can still catch people off guard. After enjoying mini-heatwave conditions, Ireland's weather is set for a shift. Met Eireann has warned that while the week will start with heavy showers and thunderstorms, mostly dry and sunny spells will return by midweek. However, the calm won't last long, as more unsettled, changeable weather driven by Atlantic systems is expected this weekend. The national forecaster explained: "High pressure is forecast to persist for much of the week, with below average rainfall and above average temperatures for this time of year. While there will be plenty of dry and sunny weather generally, there is the chance of some scattered showers on Monday and Tuesday. Current indications suggest a break in the settled weather towards the weekend. "Next week, there is a signal for low pressure to become dominant, bringing unsettled weather. This would result in higher than normal rainfall and a decrease in temperatures compared to the previous week." For those keen on tracking the approaching storms, Windy's live thunder tracker has been activated. It shows real-time updates on lightning activity and storm movements across Ireland. You can check your area below. Thunder can be seen via lighting strikes on the map. Here's a detailed day-by-day forecast from Met Eireann on what weather you can expect throughout the coming week: "A mix of cloudy periods and sunny spells Monday. Showers will develop across central and southern areas this afternoon and evening, some of them heavy with spot flooding and isolated thunderstorms. Highs of 16C in the east to 22C in the west, with light winds. "Largely dry Tuesday with variable cloud and sunshine to begin, but showers will soon develop, some of them heavy with spot flooding and isolated thunderstorms possible. Cloud will gradually build from the southwest during the afternoon and patchy rain and drizzle will push into Munster during the evening. Highest temperatures of 16C to 20C in light southerly or variable breezes. "Any residual cloud and patchy rain and drizzle in the south will soon clear on Wednesday morning to leave a dry and mostly sunny day with just the chance of a few showers bubbling up in southern counties. Highest temperatures of 18C to 22C generally, but cooler in north Ulster with highest temperatures of 14C to 16C there, due to the light to moderate north to northwest breezes, which will be fresh at times along northern and western coasts. "Thursday will be another largely dry day with patchy cloud and sunny spells and just the odd light shower possible. Light to moderate northerly winds will bring a fresher feel to northern parts of Ulster and Connacht as well as near the Leinster coast with highest temperatures of just 14C to 16C , but maxima elsewhere will range 17C to 21C. "For Friday, still some uncertainty for this lead-time but current indications suggest another mainly dry day in the east with sunny spells before cloud increases later. Mostly cloudy conditions in the west, however, with outbreaks of rain pushing in from the Atlantic later in the day. Highest temperatures 14C to 18C in light to moderate variable breezes. "Mixed and changeable this weekend with spells of rain or showers but some brighter, sunnier spells too. Temperatures returning to near average in a southwest to west airflow."
Time Out
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Time Out
The 10 best ways to photograph the Aurora Australis, according to an expert
Last year was an absolute ripper for spotting the Aurora Australis in Australia. Thanks to heightened solar activity, the Aurora Australis was amazingly active, shining bright in our southernmost skies – and being spotted (and photographed) by more Aussies than ever before. Scientists predict that we could witness equally impressive light shows any time between now and the end of 2025. Internationally renowned Aussie photographer and videographer, Michael Haluwana, has spent years chasing and capturing the Aurora. With two decades of experience under his belt, he says, 'The vivid swirls of green, purple and red dancing through the sky are unlike anything else.' Now, Haluwana's sharing his top ten tips to help you witness and photograph the Aurora Australis like a total pro. 1. Set alerts for aurora activity 'There are numerous websites and apps available to help predict aurora activity. I rely on two key sources: Space Weather Live and NOAA, which provide real-time solar activity data and solar wind speeds. These factors are essential for calculating the KP index, a measure of geomagnetic activity...," Haluwana says. "In general, the higher the KP index, the greater the chances of witnessing a vibrant aurora display.' 2. Assess the weather conditions 'Clear skies with minimal cloud cover are essential…," Haluwana advises. "To assess conditions, I rely on weather apps, primarily Windy, to monitor snow, rain, wind speed and cloud cover.' 3. Choose the right location 'Scouting an area during daylight allows you to explore different spots, plan your composition, and choose the best foreground or background elements for your shots…," Haluwana says. "In the Southern Hemisphere, you'll need to look toward the southern sky for the best views.' 4. Pay attention to the moon Haluwana explains, 'On moonless nights, the foreground and background will be dark, often resulting in silhouette-style photos. While some photographers prefer this look, I personally like having some moonlight to illuminate the landscape, adding depth and beauty to the scene.' 5. Choose a solid base setting for your camera Haluwana recommends setting the widest aperture available on your lens to let in as much light as possible and the ISO to the highest value your camera can handle while keeping digital noise to a minimum. The final key setting is shutter speed/exposure: Haluwana suggests a shutter speed of 7-15 seconds for faint or static auroras, and 1-3 seconds for vibrant and very active auroras. Finally, use a manual white balance to ensure consistency across all your photos and time-lapses. 6. Use manual focusing and take some test shots 'Set your lens to manual focus and use your camera's screen to zoom in on a distant, bright object – such as a star, moon or light. Adjust the focus ring until the object appears as sharp as possible...," Haluwana explains. "Once you've achieved focus, I recommend taking a few test shots to ensure everything is sharp. Then, be careful not to move the focus ring or tripod once you've locked in the focus distance.' 7. Don't use filters Haluwana suggests, 'Avoid using any filters, as they can introduce unwanted artefacts and distort your aurora photos.' 8. Pack the right equipment Haluwana's must-have tools include: a sturdy tripod, a lens warmer (to prevent fogging in cold conditions), an intervalometer, batteries (cold temperatures drain batteries quickly, so carry spares) and an extra memory card. 9. Plan creative compositions beforehand 'While a shot of the aurora itself is stunning, you can often capture the best of both worlds by incorporating elements of the landscape.' Haluwana specifically recommends: Don't just focus on the sky – include the ground Look for reflections in lakes, puddles or icy surfaces Try different perspectives – town lights, people, roads Convey scale using people, animals or landscape features 10. Don't rush it 'Don't rush in your excitement when you first see the aurora…," Haluwana concludes. "Get your gear set up quickly, capture your first few shots and then fine-tune the settings to your liking.'
SBS Australia
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
What's special about the 2025 Indonesian Film Festival?
SBS Indonesian 03/05/2025 09:26 From the committee, Windy, Salma and Malika each explained to SBS Indonesian about the films screened this year. The first film from FFI 2025 is entitled "1 KAKAK 7 KEPONAKAN" written and directed by the reliable Indonesian filmmaker Deddy Mizwar, indeed in his writing Deddy was also inspired by his life experiences or his extended family. What about the horror film LEMBAYUNG? According to Salma, Indonesian horror films are usually good and scary and full of mysticism. He said that the mystical horror genre film can be used as an effort to preserve Indonesian culture which in everyday life is full of mysticism. While the closing film of FFI this time according to Windy is an interesting film and therefore a bigger cinema is provided. The title alone. PERAYAAN MATI RASA. Can you imagine it? Listen to every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 3 pm. Follow us on and and listen to our .
