IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms, Rain, Hail Across India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued widespread alerts for thunderstorms, heavy rain, hailstorms, and strong winds across multiple states in India for the coming days. Eastern, Central, and Northeastern regions are expected to experience intensified weather activity, while Northwest and parts of South India will also see significant rainfall. Delhi experienced a rare cold and foggy March morning amidst these dynamic weather patterns.
Key Highlights
- IMD issued nationwide thunderstorm, rain, and hail alerts.
- East, Central, and Northeast India face intensified weather conditions.
- Heavy rain and snowfall are predicted for the Western Himalayas.
- Delhi experienced a rare cold, foggy, and rainy March morning.
- Gusty winds and hailstorms are likely in several states.
- Weather activity expected to continue for several days, followed by rising temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued comprehensive weather alerts across the country, forecasting widespread thunderstorms, rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds over multiple regions in the coming days. This intensified weather activity is particularly noted in eastern, central, and northeastern parts of India, with warnings also extending to the Northwest and sections of South India.
For Northwest India, a fresh wet spell is anticipated, bringing light to moderate rainfall and snowfall over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on March 23rd. These hilly regions may also experience isolated heavy falls, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, potentially reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph in some areas. The plains, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, are likely to witness scattered rain, lightning, and isolated hailstorm activity. East Uttar Pradesh, specifically, could see fairly widespread rainfall accompanied by gusty winds of up to 40 kmph.
Delhi itself experienced a rare cold, foggy, and rain-soaked morning on March 21st, as an active western disturbance influenced northwest India. The capital's minimum temperature dipped to around 16 degrees Celsius, which is considerably lower than usual for this time of year, with a layer of mist reducing visibility. This rainfall activity in Delhi contributed to a significant drop in maximum temperatures, though conditions are expected to become partly cloudy, and temperatures will gradually begin to rise after March 22nd. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi also showed improvement, recorded in the 'satisfactory' category.
East and Central India are bracing for significant stormy conditions. An 'Orange Alert' has been issued for regions such as eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, as well as parts of West Bengal. These areas are expected to face thunderstorms, gusty winds, and possible hailstorms. Wind speeds in eastern India could be substantial, potentially reaching 60 to 70 kmph, posing considerable risks. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are forecast to experience widespread rainfall between March 21st and 24th, with isolated instances of heavy to very heavy rainfall specifically on March 21st, accompanied by squally winds of 70-80 kmph.
Further into Central India, states like Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh are expected to see thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, along with isolated hailstorms. Vidarbha, in particular, was under a 'Yellow Alert' from March 19th to 21st, with parts experiencing an 'Orange Alert' for thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds up to 40-50 kmph on March 20th.
Northeast India is also under the IMD's watch, with forecasts of persistent rain and severe weather. Fairly widespread rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds is anticipated over Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Meanwhile, Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh are likely to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds that could reach 50 kmph, and isolated hailstones. The unstable weather in the northeastern states is expected to continue for at least five days.
In South India, states such as Karnataka and Kerala are also expected to experience strong rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms until March 22nd.
The IMD has attributed these dynamic weather patterns to multiple active weather systems, including western disturbances affecting northern India and cyclonic circulations influencing central and southern parts of the country. While this spell of rain and thunderstorm activity offers a temporary respite from rising temperatures, the department cautions that temperatures are expected to increase again across most parts of the country once these weather systems stabilize.
The overall forecast indicates a period of unsettled weather across a significant portion of India, with potential impacts on public safety, agriculture, and daily life due to the varied intensity of rain, winds, and hail. The public is advised to stay updated with local weather advisories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regions of India are primarily affected by the IMD's latest weather alerts?
The IMD has issued alerts primarily for East, Central, and Northeast India, along with parts of Northwest India including the Western Himalayan Region, and some areas in South India like Karnataka and Kerala.
What kind of weather phenomena are predicted by the IMD?
The IMD predicts widespread thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, lightning, gusty winds, and hailstorms across the affected states. Squally winds reaching speeds up to 70-80 kmph are expected in some areas like West Bengal.
Did Delhi experience any unusual weather during this period?
Yes, Delhi experienced a rare cold, foggy, and rain-soaked morning on March 21st, with temperatures significantly lower than usual for this time of the year, attributed to an active western disturbance.
What is the expected duration of these intense weather conditions?
The intense weather activity, including rainfall and thunderstorms, is expected to continue across large parts of the country for the next 3-5 days. Temperatures are expected to gradually rise again after this temporary cooling phase.
What are the potential impacts of these weather alerts?
The varied intensity of rain, winds, and hail could potentially impact public safety, agriculture (damaging crops and infrastructure), and daily life due to disruptions in electricity and traffic.