New Delhi, May 3, 2026 (Sunday)
A sudden and intense shift in weather conditions swept across large parts of North India on Sunday, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and even daytime darkness in several regions. States including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana witnessed severe weather activity that disrupted normal life and reduced visibility on roads.
The abrupt change is being linked to an active western disturbance, triggering thunderstorms and sharp temperature drops across the region.
Uttarakhand: Heavy Rain, Hailstorm and Snowfall Warning in Higher Altitudes
In Dehradun, the weather turned dramatically early in the morning as dark clouds blanketed the sky, followed by intense rainfall and hailstorms. The sudden darkness during daytime forced residents to switch on lights, while falling temperatures brought relief from recent heat.
According to the India Meteorological Department, an orange alert has been issued for May 4 and 5 across several districts. Regions such as Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh may witness lightning, rainfall, and snowfall above 4,000 meters.
Punjab: Morning Turns Into Night as Dense Clouds and Storm Winds Hit
In Punjab, residents woke up to unusually dark skies, with thick cloud cover creating near-night conditions in the morning hours. Vehicles were seen moving with headlights on due to poor visibility.
Strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h, accompanied by thunder and lightning, triggered heavy rainfall, forcing people indoors and disrupting routine activities.
Haryana: Dust Storms, Strong Winds Disrupt Visibility
Weather conditions shifted rapidly in parts of Haryana, especially in Ambala and Yamunanagar. Early morning dust storms reduced visibility significantly, creating near blackout conditions on roads.
Wind speeds of around 40 km/h caused chaos, with reports of loose objects being blown away. This was followed by thunderstorms and rainfall, bringing a noticeable dip in temperatures.
Uttar Pradesh: Hailstorms Reported, Rainfall Continues
In Uttar Pradesh, several districts including Raebareli, Sultanpur, Amethi, and Ambedkar Nagar experienced rainfall and hailstorms.
Hail was reported in multiple parts of Raebareli, while light to moderate rain continued across the Awadh region. The weather shift began earlier than forecast, with rainfall recorded since Saturday night.
IMD Alerts and What to Expect
The India Meteorological Department has issued:
- Orange Alert in parts of Uttarakhand (heavy rain, hail, lightning)
- Yellow Alert across multiple regions for thunderstorms and strong winds
- Wind speeds expected between 40–50 km/h
- Possibility of lightning strikes and localized disruptions
Impact and Advisory
- Reduced visibility affecting road travel
- Sudden temperature drop across regions
- Risk of damage due to strong winds and hail
- Residents advised to stay indoors during severe weather
Authorities have urged people to remain cautious, avoid open areas during lightning, and follow local advisories.
