Key Highlights
- IMD forecasts widespread rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms across India.
- Relief expected in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and South India.
- Heavy rainfall predicted in northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Yellow alerts issued for several regions due to thunderstorms and lightning risks.
- Temperatures to dip temporarily before rising again in parts of the country.
New Delhi: Amid the ongoing heatwave gripping the nation, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a significant weather shift over the next few days. Rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms is expected to bring relief from the intense heat in several regions spanning North to South India. The change in weather is attributed to a Western Disturbance and multiple cyclonic circulations influencing atmospheric conditions.
Northern Plains and Central India
Residents of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh can expect temporary relief as rain and strong winds are forecasted. Delhi is likely to experience thunderstorms on April 12 and 13, with maximum temperatures hovering around 39°C. In Madhya Pradesh, cities like Bhopal and Jabalpur have already witnessed cloudy skies and light rain, with hailstorms predicted in some areas. This shift has led to a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Southern States Prepare for Rain
South India will also see a change in weather patterns. Tamil Nadu is expected to receive rain and thunderstorms between April 12 and 14, providing relief to cities like Vellore and Madurai where temperatures had soared to 40°C. Light to moderate rainfall is also anticipated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka due to an active weather system over the Bay of Bengal.
Hilly Regions and Northeast India
The hilly states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are bracing for rain and strong winds. Heavy rainfall is also forecasted for northeastern states such as Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. These regions may experience gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph along with isolated hailstorms.
Yellow Alerts Issued Across Multiple States
The IMD has issued yellow alerts for various regions due to the risk of thunderstorms and lightning. In eastern states like Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, warnings have been issued for potential thundersqualls with wind speeds of up to 50–60 kmph.
Temperature Trends: Dip Followed by Gradual Rise
The current spell of rain is likely to cause a temporary dip in temperatures by 2–3°C across northwest, central, and western India. However, this will be followed by a steady rise of 3–5°C starting April 14. Southern regions are not expected to see significant temperature fluctuations during this period.
Impact on Agriculture
While the rains bring relief from heat, they pose challenges for farmers harvesting Rabi crops. Hailstorms have already caused damage to wheat fields and summer vegetables in states like Jharkhand.
This weather shift offers much-needed respite from the oppressive heat but also calls for caution due to potential disruptions caused by storms. Residents are advised to stay updated on local weather alerts.
