Unseasonal rain and hailstorms are set to grip large parts of India from Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as an active western disturbance continues its sweep across the country.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for intense weather activity, including thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, particularly affecting northwest, central, and eastern regions.
WILL NORTHWEST INDIA FACE MORE RAIN?
The western disturbance, currently situated over northeast Pakistan and adjoining Afghanistan, is driving widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall across the Western Himalayan Region.
Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness isolated heavy rainfall on April 8.
In the plains, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, scattered to fairly widespread rain accompanied by gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kilometres per hour is expected.
Isolated hailstorms are also a major concern for these states, potentially impacting standing rabi crops.
HOW WILL THE WEATHER BE IN EAST AND NORTHEAST INDIA?
East India is bracing for an intense spell of weather, with thunder squalls and wind speeds reaching 60 to 70 kilometres per hour and gusting to 80 kilometres per hour likely over Gangetic West Bengal.
Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha are also expected to see significant thunderstorm activity and isolated hailstorms.
In the northeast, Assam and Meghalaya may experience isolated heavy rainfall.
IS THERE RELIEF FROM THE HEAT?
Daytime temperatures are projected to remain below normal to near normal over most parts of northwest, central, and east India for the next five days.
In Delhi, the maximum temperature is expected to hover between 27 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius tomorrow, offering a brief respite from the typical April heat.
However, the IMD warns that temperatures will gradually rise from April 9 onwards as the system weakens.
Residents are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid seeking shelter under trees due to the risk of lightning and falling branches.
