IMD Weather Forecast: Hailstorms, lightning alert in many states; heavy snowfall in hilly states; 15 die in UP; storms, rainfall to continue in MP; check latest updates
IMD Weather Forecast: Under the influence of a Western Disturbance, a significant shift is being observed in the weather across North India. On Sunday, snowfall occurred in three districts of Uttarakhand—including the Yamunotri Dham area in Uttarkashi—while six other districts witnessed rainfall accompanied by hailstorms.
From Delhi to Bihar and from Himachal to Chhattisgarh, the Meteorological Department has issued a warning of significant weather upheaval over the next five days.
Currently, not just one, but two Western Disturbances have simultaneously become active over the country; their most severe impact is expected to be witnessed over the next 72 hours—specifically on April 7 and 8. This weather system brings with it not merely rain, but also hailstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour.
800 tourists stranded in Sikkim
On Sunday, heavy rain and snowfall occurred on the Lachen-Chungthang road in Sikkim's Mangan district. This triggered landslides and caused large cracks to appear in the road. Consequently, 800 tourists were stranded in the area. Rescue operations for the tourists have been underway since this morning.
Weather Across Half of India Disrupted by Two Western Disturbances
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this turbulent weather pattern—triggered by the two disturbances active over Northwest India—is expected to persist until April 9. The impact of this phenomenon is clearly visible across the plains states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Punjab.
While Delhi-NCR has remained under cloudy skies for the past few days, moderate rainfall accompanied by winds gusting up to 50 kilometers per hour is forecast for April 7.
15 die in UP
In districts of Uttar Pradesh such as Lucknow, Kanpur, and Saharanpur, the spell of storms, rain, and hailstorms is expected to continue for the next three days. This shift in weather patterns will not only bring about a drop in temperature but could also disrupt daily life for the general public.
In Uttar Pradesh, 15 people have lost their lives over the past 72 hours due to storms, rain, and lightning strikes. Intermittent rainfall was reported on Sunday across 11 districts, including Kashi, Gonda, Sultanpur, and Kanpur. Hail fell in Kanpur, Mathura, and Sambhal.
The greatest threat looms over farmers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In several districts of Bihar—including Patna, Rajgir, and Aurangabad—there is a likelihood of hailstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h until April 8.
In Rajasthan, an 'Orange Alert' has been issued for dust storms and rainfall across the Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Ajmer divisions. Hailstorms are also anticipated in Ranchi and Godda, Jharkhand.
Storms, rainfall to continue in MP
In western Madhya Pradesh, there is a possibility of hailstorms on April 8. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning advising people not to seek shelter under trees or stand near electrical appliances during storms and lightning strikes.
A spell of storms and rainfall is expected to continue in Madhya Pradesh until April 9. Due to the activation of a trough, its impact will persist on Monday across 24 districts spanning the Gwalior-Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions. According to the Meteorological Department, a new weather system is becoming active starting April 7; consequently, conditions involving storms and rain are expected to persist.
Heavy snowfall in HP
The situation in the hilly regions is even more critical. Snowfall occurred in the high-altitude regions of Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. Gondla received 28.5 centimeters of snow, Keylong 20.0 cm, and Hansa 5 cm. Meanwhile, hailstorms in Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi caused damage to the apple crop.
In Himachal Pradesh, amidst heavy rain and snowfall, panic ensued near the Atal Tunnel following a sudden avalanche (snowslide). Fortunately, there was no loss of life or property; however, the administration has advised tourists to remain vigilant.
Hailstorms across several districts of Himachal Pradesh have caused severe damage to the apple crop, even tearing through the protective nets installed to safeguard the produce. The possibility of snowfall persists in regions situated at altitudes exceeding 3,300 meters.
In Uttarakhand, snowfall has been continuing since Sunday on the high peaks of the Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath shrines. Consequently, the biting cold has intensified in the plains.