Thu Apr 03 15:10:00 UTC 2025: ## India Braces for Shifting Weather Patterns: Rain, Hail, and Heatwave

**New Delhi, April 5, 2024** – A dramatic shift in weather patterns across India is underway, driven by winds from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for various regions, predicting a mixed bag of rain, hailstorms, and rising temperatures in different parts of the country.

Several states that recently experienced heatwaves will see a temporary reprieve with rain and cloud cover lowering temperatures over the next few days. However, the relief will be unevenly distributed.

**Heavy rain and storms:** The IMD forecasts thunderstorms and hail in 12 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, on Thursday, with wind gusts potentially reaching 40-50 kmph. Rain alerts have been issued for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Konkan, Goa, and all seven states of Northeast India.

**Heatwave continues in some areas:** In contrast, Gujarat’s Saurashtra and Kutch regions, western Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi are expected to experience a rise in temperatures, with the potential for a heatwave in Saurashtra-Kutch and Rajasthan lasting up to seven days. In Himachal Pradesh, snowfall has already led to the freezing of Sissu Lake in Lahaul Spiti.

**Regional forecasts:** The IMD’s detailed regional forecasts include:

* **Madhya Pradesh:** Hailstorms are anticipated in Khargone, Khandwa, Harda, and Betul districts, with thunderstorms and light rain across half the state.
* **Rajasthan:** Western disturbances will bring thunderstorms and heavy winds (up to 50 kmph) to several districts.
* **Uttar Pradesh:** Rain and lightning are predicted in 26 districts, with temperatures potentially dropping by 3°C.
* **Chhattisgarh:** An orange alert has been issued for nine districts, anticipating hail and thunderstorms.
* **Punjab and Haryana:** Temperatures are rising, with Bhatinda, Punjab reaching 35°C and Bhiwani, Haryana, reaching 37.2°C. The western disturbances affecting Pakistan are not expected to impact these regions.
* **Himachal Pradesh:** Five districts are forecast to experience rain and snowfall in higher altitudes, leading to a slight temperature drop.

The IMD advises residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions during the inclement weather.

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