Heavy rain, storms lash large parts of India as IMD issues nationwide alerts

A wet and turbulent Monday is expected across large parts of India, with the India Meteorological Department warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds over northwest, northeast and central regions.

The unsettled weather is being driven by a western disturbance currently positioned as an upper-air cyclonic circulation over northern Iran and the adjoining Caspian Sea. Another system is likely to arrive by April 2, prolonging the spell of instability.

Heavy rain and snowfall in the north

The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall in Kashmir Valley on Monday. Widespread light to moderate rain and snow, accompanied by thunderstorms and winds of 30–50 kmph, are expected across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Hailstorms are also likely over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan, particularly in eastern parts.

Delhi to see light rain, cooler day

In Delhi, the day will begin partly cloudy before turning overcast. Very light rain or drizzle, along with thunderstorms and lightning, is expected later in the day.

Daytime temperatures are likely to remain below normal, ranging between 28°C and 30°C, while nighttime temperatures may hover between 20°C and 22°C.

No heatwave for now

Frequent western disturbances are expected to keep temperatures 2–5°C below normal across northwest and central India until at least April 20, reducing the likelihood of an early heatwave.

Northeast on alert

In the northeast, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive heavy rainfall between March 30 and April 1. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura could see intense showers on Monday.

Hailstorms are also forecast over Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh on March 31, with farmers advised to secure harvested crops.

The IMD has further cautioned fishermen against venturing into the southeastern Bay of Bengal and parts of the Arabian Sea, particularly along and off the Oman coast, due to rough sea conditions.