IMD Warns of Rain, Hail in Northwest India; Cold Wave Grips Rajouri

The IMD has forecast two Western disturbances for Northwest India this week, bringing hailstorms and heavy rain to the Kashmir Valley. A cold wave has hit Rajouri, and rainfall is also expected over central and peninsular India until April 7.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecasted that two successive Western disturbances are likely to affect northwest India this week, with peak activity expected on April 3-4 and again on April 7. Hailstorms are anticipated across the northwest parts of the region, while isolated heavy rainfall is expected over the Kashmir Valley on April 3 and 4. A sudden cold wave has also gripped Rajouri and the wider Pir Panjal region following continuous heavy rainfall, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures and harsh weather conditions in the area. In view of the prevailing situation, the district administration has issued an advisory urging residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in hilly and vulnerable areas.

In a post on X, the IMD said, "Two back-to-back western disturbances are set to impact Northwest India this week, with peak activity expected on April 3-4 and again on April 7. Hailstorms are likely across parts of the region. Isolated heavy rainfall expected over the Kashmir Valley on April 3 & 4." IMD Weather Alert ! Two back-to-back western disturbances are set to impact Northwest India this week, with peak activity expected on April 3–4 and again on April 7. 🌩️ Hailstorms likely across parts of the region 🌧️ Isolated heavy rainfall expected over Kashmir Valley on April… pic.twitter.com/WNAFru5V1A — India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) April 3, 2026

Expanded Forecast for Other Regions

The IMD further warned that during Friday afternoon, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely, continuing into the evening. Furthermore, rainfall activity with thunderstorms and lightning is expected over central and peninsular India until April 7. Isolated hailstorms are forecast over Madhya Pradesh, south Madhya Maharashtra, Marathawada, and adjoining Gujarat region on April 3, and over east Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on April 4.

The weather department also stated that day temperatures are likely to remain below normal to near normal over most parts of the country during the week.

Weather Review: Past 24 Hours

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), in the last 24 hours, heavy rainfall was recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Hailstorms occurred in east Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, and Madhya Maharashtra. Thunderstorms accompanied by squally or gusty winds with speeds up to 80 kmph were observed across Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha, Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathawada, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat region, Saurashtra and Kutch, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, the Met Department added.

Temperature Outlook

The IMD predicted a gradual fall in maximum temperatures over northwest India until April 4, followed by a rise of 2-3°C on April 5 and 6, and a subsequent fall of 3-5°C during April 7-9. However, temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal till April 9. No significant changes in maximum temperatures are likely over central India, except in Vidarbha, where temperatures may rise by 3-5°C until April 3 and then stabilise.

Impact in Rajasthan

Meanwhile, heavy rain and hailstorms were witnessed in several parts of Rajasthan's Jaipur. For that, IMD has issued a yellow alert in the city, forecasting "thunderstorm, lightning, and squall." (ANI)

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