IMD Alerts North and East India for Heavy Rain, Hail; Delhi Braces for Gusts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for widespread heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds across North and East India for the next 24-48 hours. States like Uttarakhand, Odisha, West Bengal, J&K, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh are particularly affected. Delhi is forecast to experience light rain and wind gusts up to 50 kmph. Authorities advise residents to take precautions, including staying indoors and protecting crops, as temperatures are expected to remain below normal.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released severe weather alerts for North, East, and Central India, predicting intense rainfall, hailstorms, and high-speed winds over the next 24 to 48 hours due to an active western disturbance. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is specifically forecast for Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Odisha, with Odisha already recording up to 20 cm in the last 24 hours. Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and Jammu & Kashmir have also experienced significant downpours.Hailstorms pose a considerable threat to Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh through Wednesday, and Meghalaya until Thursday. Strong squally winds, with gusts reaching up to 80 kmph, have already impacted Gangetic West Bengal and other northern provinces. The National Capital Region, Delhi, is expected to endure a cloudy Wednesday with light rain and wind gusts up to 50 kmph during the night, with maximum temperatures hovering between 27°C and 29°C.Despite some regions recording high temperatures, overall temperatures in northwest, central, and eastern India are anticipated to remain below normal for the next three to four days before a gradual increase. Authorities have issued critical safety advisories, urging residents to stay indoors and unplug electronics during lightning. Farmers are advised to use hail nets for fruit orchards and harvest mature crops immediately to prevent weather-related damage. Additionally, fishermen have been warned to avoid the turbulent Gulf of Khambhat and North Odisha coast.