New Delhi, India — April 5, 2026
A sudden and significant shift in weather patterns has been recorded across India, with northern regions bracing for severe conditions. According to the India Meteorological Department, multiple states including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana are under alert for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms.
Wind speeds of 50–60 km/h are expected to disrupt daily life and pose risks to standing crops, raising concerns among farmers.
🌪️ What’s Causing the Sudden Weather Change?
Meteorologists attribute the unstable conditions to the combined impact of:
- An active Western Disturbance over Pakistan and adjoining regions
- A cyclonic circulation in the upper atmosphere
- A strong subtropical jet stream over northern India
These systems together are driving widespread atmospheric instability, resulting in rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and hail across multiple regions.
🏔️ Orange Alert in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, forecasting 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rainfall.
Authorities warn of possible landslides in hilly areas, as persistent rainfall and cloud cover continue to impact the region.
🌾 Rajasthan and Northwest India: Hailstorms and Strong Winds
Weather conditions have already shifted in parts of Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Kota, and Udaipur, where thunderstorms and winds of 40–50 km/h were recorded along with light to moderate rainfall and scattered hail.
A new and stronger Western Disturbance is expected to become active from April 6, potentially bringing:
- Winds up to 60 km/h
- Heavy rainfall in isolated areas
- Continued hail activity
🌡️ Temperature Drop Expected Across North India
The ongoing weather system is likely to bring a temperature drop of 3–5°C across northwest India, leading to cooler conditions over the next few days.
- Highest recorded temperature: 41.6°C in Jharsuguda
- Lowest recorded temperature: 16.2°C in Jaisalmer
🌧️ Rainfall Recorded in the Last 24 Hours
Several regions have already experienced rainfall:
- Up to 50 mm rainfall in parts of Jammu & Kashmir
- Moderate rain in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Karnataka
- Light to moderate showers (up to 20 mm) in northeastern states, Kerala, and Mahe
🌴 Contrasting Weather: Humidity in Bengal, Rain in South India
While northern and western India face unstable weather, humid conditions persist in West Bengal’s Gangetic plains, increasing discomfort levels.
At the same time, southern regions including Kerala and Mahe are expected to receive heavy rainfall (64.5–115.5 mm), along with thunderstorms that may cause localized waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
⚠️ Advisory: Safety Measures Issued
The IMD has advised residents and farmers to remain cautious:
- Avoid open areas during thunderstorms and lightning
- Do not stand under trees during storms
- Secure loose objects on rooftops
- Park vehicles under shelter to prevent hail damage
- Limit use of electronic devices during lightning
Farmers are particularly advised to take precautionary steps to protect crops from wind and hail damage.
📊 Outlook: Unstable Weather to Continue
Weather experts indicate that the current pattern of rain, storms, and hail may continue for the next few days before gradual stabilization. However, intermittent fluctuations are still likely.
