Severe Weather Alert: Hail and Rain to Lash North India

A high-intensity weather system is currently tracking across North India, prompting the IMD to issue a series of alerts for wind, rain, and hail. The forecast highlights a major threat of hailstorms in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, which could have a devastating effect on the agricultural sector. Winds reaching up to 70 kmph are expected to accompany the rain, making it one of the most significant weather events of the season so far. The disturbance is projected to move through the heart of the northern plains, affecting millions of residents from the borders of Pakistan to the plains of Bihar.

In Delhi-NCR, the weather office has predicted a cloudy sky with intermittent heavy spells of rain. The cooling effect is expected to bring the maximum temperature down by several degrees, providing a much-needed break from the early summer heat. However, the focus remains on the severity of the wind. A 70 kmph wind speed is capable of damaging power lines and disrupting telecommunications. Local municipalities in Ghaziabad and Noida have been instructed to clear drainage systems to prevent waterlogging, which often paralyzes the region during heavy downpours.

The Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are also under a ‘yellow’ alert. The IMD predicts that the western disturbance will bring heavy rainfall to the foothills, increasing the risk of flash floods in narrow valleys. Meanwhile, the eastern states like Bihar are expected to see an increase in convective activity, leading to thunderstorms and lightning. The weather department emphasizes the importance of staying updated through official channels, as the localized intensity of hailstorms can vary significantly over short distances.