New Delhi: A powerful western disturbance has disrupted early April weather across North and Central India, triggering widespread thunderstorms, heavy rain and hail, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.
A yellow alert has been issued for Delhi-NCR as a vast cloud band, stretching nearly 1,000 kilometres, has blanketed the region, turning skies dark and unusually wintry for the season.
According to IMD, the system originates from the Mediterranean and carries significant moisture. As it moves eastward, it interacts with warm air over the plains, leading to intense pre-monsoon convective activity. The resulting cumulonimbus clouds are producing sudden and severe weather events.
The most critical period is expected between 2 PM and 11 PM on Saturday. Madhya Pradesh, east Rajasthan, west Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi-NCR are likely to witness heavy rain, hailstorms and gusty winds reaching 60 to 70 kmph. Parts of central Maharashtra may also be affected.
These thundersqualls could damage temporary structures and standing crops. Hail formation within towering storm clouds has already caused crop losses in Rajasthan and Haryana.
While temperatures may drop by around 5°C, the volatile conditions are expected to shift on Sunday towards Jhansi, Gwalior and north Madhya Pradesh, where further thunderstorms are likely.