In the Northeast, the IMD reported very heavy rainfall measuring between 12-20 cm in isolated areas of Assam, while Nagaland recorded significant totals ranging from 7-11 cm. This deluge is accompanied by violent thunderstorms and squally winds reaching speeds of 50-80 kmph, which have already been observed in Marathwada, Odisha, Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya. The highest wind intensity was recorded in Marathwada, where speeds peaked at 83 kmph, while gusty winds of 30-50 kmph were reported nationwide. Concurrently, isolated hailstorms have struck Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana, adding a layer of volatility to the regional climate.
Simultaneously, a fresh and intensifying heatwave has tightened its grip on northern and central India. The spell began in Haryana and has rapidly extended to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and eastern Madhya Pradesh. Maximum temperatures have soared between 40°C and 45°C across Vidarbha, Marathwada, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. The Maharashtra towns of Wardha and Akola recorded the highest temperatures in the country at 45°C. While daytime temperatures remain significantly above normal in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and central and northern India, minimum temperatures in the plains have fluctuated between 13°C and 26°C, with Gurdaspur in Punjab recording a low of 16.5°C.
The current meteorological instability is driven by a Western Disturbance persisting as an upper air cyclonic circulation over Jammu & Kashmir, complemented by systems over southwest Rajasthan and northeast Assam. Troughs extend from Telangana to Comorin and from east Bihar to southwest Madhya Pradesh, with another Western Disturbance expected to impact the Western Himalayan region starting April 23. Consequently, northwest India is braced for scattered rainfall and snowfall over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh between April 24 and 26. In the Northeast, widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted to persist over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya between April 20 and 22, with a second wave expected later in the month.
Eastern states including Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal are projected to witness thunderstorms and occasional thundersqualls, while Central India remains at risk for further hailstorms. In the south and west, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala are likely to receive scattered rainfall and thunderstorms. Amidst this, heatwave conditions will persist in isolated pockets of Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Gangetic West Bengal through April 25. Delhi is expected to remain under heatwave conditions until April 23, with temperatures peaking between 41°C and 44°C.
The IMD and local authorities have warned of moderate health risks, advising residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged heat exposure. Officials cautioned that these severe weather systems could cause extensive damage to crops, trees, power lines, and weak structures, with Bihar and Odisha identified as particularly vulnerable to thundersqualls. Heavy rainfall in the Northeast carries the imminent threat of flooding, landslides, and traffic disruptions. To mitigate losses, farmers have been urged to utilize hail nets, ensure proper drainage, and harvest mature crops early, while the general public is advised to remain indoors during periods of severe atmospheric turbulence to ensure safety.
About The Author
Comment List