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On April 5, 2026, under the influence of active Western Disturbances, unseasonal hailstorm and heavy rain continued over parts of northern and central India. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a ‘yellow alert’ for Delhi-NCR, warning of thunder, lightning and hail or severe thunderstorm, as a large band of clouds covered the entire region.

This seasonal system rising from the Mediterranean Sea brought moisture with it. This moisture mixed with the hot air of the plains, which formed high ‘cumulonimbus’ clouds in the sky. With the gusts of strong winds, the water drops repeatedly froze and melted, resulting in the formation of hail. This is an unusual occurrence in the month of April, as temperatures usually begin to rise at this time.

On April 4, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab and parts of Uttar Pradesh witnessed heavy rain and hailstorm. This caused considerable damage to standing Rabi crops like wheat. Farmers in these states reported that hailstorms the size of golf balls have caused huge losses and their fields have been completely destroyed. On April 5, this bad weather moved southward. Due to this, there was a danger of strong storm in Jhansi, Gwalior and North Madhya Pradesh. There is a possibility of strong winds blowing at a speed of 50-70 kilometers per hour in these areas, which can cause damage to crops and unbuilt structures.

According to IMD forecasts, rain and lightning along with thunderstorms will continue in Central India. Apart from this, hailstorm may also occur at isolated places in Madhya Pradesh and its surrounding areas. Due to this rain there has been a temporary drop in day temperature by 4-5 degrees Celsius. While on one hand this has brought some relief from the heat in the beginning of summer, on the other hand it has not given much solace to the farmers.

The administration has appealed to the people to remain alert. Stay away from open fields, trees and weak structures during a storm, and keep your livestock tied up in safe areas. Work to assess and verify the damage is continuing in the affected rural areas.

This weather pattern reflects the uncertainty of weather seen in the month of April in the last few years. Due to the impact of another ‘Western Disturbance’, there is a possibility of rain and hailstorm once again across North-Western India around 7-8 April. Farmers have been advised to harvest their ripe crops as soon as possible and take necessary measures to save the crops as far as possible. Further weather information will depend on how this weather system moves towards the east.