IMD Issues Nationwide Weather Alert for Thunderstorms and Hailstorms
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather warning across the country, predicting active and severe conditions in the coming days. According to a bulletin released at 08:06 AM on April 4, 2026, a western disturbance is driving this significant shift, primarily affecting northern India but with repercussions nationwide.
Northwest India Braces for Severe Impact
Northwest India is set to bear the brunt of the adverse weather, with regions including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and New Delhi expecting moderate to widespread rain showers accompanied by intense thunderstorm activity. Wind gusts are forecast to reach 40-50 kilometers per hour, potentially spiking to 60 kilometers per hour, and in severe cases, thundersqualls could push speeds to 50-60 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 70 kilometers per hour.
Isolated hailstorm activity is anticipated on April 4 in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, East Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, while higher areas of Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh may experience isolated heavy rainfall. The situation is expected to persist, with a fresh western disturbance likely to trigger additional rainfall episodes starting April 7.
Extended Wet Spell from April 7 Onwards
From April 7, a new weather system will bring fairly widespread rain and snowfall to Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, along with rains over the plains of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and western Rajasthan. Consequently, temperatures in Northwest India will remain below normal until at least April 9, offering no immediate relief.
Northeast India Faces Scattered Rains
Northeast India will also experience disturbances, with scattered to fairly widespread rain activity forecast in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya until April 9. The hilly terrain combined with fresh rains could lead to waterlogging issues. Thunderstorm activities are expected to extend to other northeastern states such as Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
Eastern and Central India Under Thunderstorm Influence
In Eastern India, scattered showers and thunderstorms are predicted for Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. Conditions in Bihar and Jharkhand are set to deteriorate from April 5 to April 8, with thundersqualls and hailstorms potentially disrupting daily activities and farming. Central states, including Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh, will see scattered rainfall and thunderstorms, with isolated hail possible in the initial days.
Southern States to Experience Thunderstorm Activities
Southern India is not spared from the weather changes, with isolated to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms expected in Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Isolated heavy rains in Kerala and Mahe during the early forecast period may cause water accumulation in lowland areas.
Temperature Trends Show Temporary Relief
This weather forecast reflects the impact of these systems, with Northwest India seeing a drop in maximum temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, followed by fluctuations as new systems approach. Other parts of the country will experience minimal temperature changes, though areas in Gangetic West Bengal may continue to face high temperatures and humidity levels.
