New Delhi: Residents across Delhi-NCR have been advised to keep umbrellas handy as isolated thunderstorms, accompanied by rain and hail, are likely to occur from Sunday evening into the night.
Weather experts estimate a 50-70 per cent probability of such activity, although the rainfall is expected to be uneven and localised.
Meteorologists have indicated that these thunderstorms will be highly scattered in nature. While some neighbourhoods may experience intense rain and hail, others may remain completely dry.
Areas such as Gurgaon, South Delhi, Faridabad and Noida are among the regions most likely to witness evening activity.
A similar weather pattern was observed on April 4, when thunderstorm cells developed near Gurgaon and brought short bursts of heavy rain and hail to select parts of the region.
The current weather conditions are being influenced by a Western Disturbance, a moisture-laden system originating from the Mediterranean region. These disturbances are known to bring rain, thunderstorms and hail to northern parts of India, particularly during winter and early summer.
A recent Western Disturbance that passed through on April 3 and 4 has left behind lingering atmospheric instability, resulting in unusually cool temperatures, dense cloud cover and sporadic thunder activity—conditions more typical of the monsoon season than early April.
Weather experts have warned that the current showers are only a precursor to a much more intense system expected to affect North India between April 7 and 10.
This incoming Western Disturbance is likely to bring widespread rain, strong winds and severe hailstorms across multiple states, including Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Punjab, western Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and parts of northern Madhya Pradesh.
The system is expected to impact nearly 30-40 per cent of India's geographical area.
The anticipated hailstorms pose a serious threat to standing crops, particularly wheat nearing harvest. Farmers across affected states have been advised to harvest ready crops before April 6 to minimise losses.
Recent hailstorms on April 3 and 4 caused significant damage, with reports of large hailstones destroying crops across Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. A similar or even more severe impact is expected from the upcoming system.
Following the active weather phase between April 7 and 10, conditions are expected to stabilise. However, experts warn that the second half of April could see a sharp rise in temperatures, bringing intense summer heat across northern India.
The transition from unseasonal rain to extreme heat may further complicate agricultural and daily life conditions in the region.
While isolated thunderstorms may bring temporary relief from rising temperatures in Delhi-NCR, a more powerful weather system is set to impact North India in the coming days. Residents and farmers alike are advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions to minimise disruption and potential damage.