Weather Department Warns of Storms and Rain Sweeping the North

The India Meteorological Department says a wet spell will persist over northwest India this week. Heavy rainfall and snowfall are predicted over the Kashmir valley on March 30.

Forecast details

The IMD has warned of hailstorms over north-west India on March 29 and 30. Central India may experience hail on March 30 and 31.

The Weather Department Warns of Storms and Rain Sweeping the North, urging people to remain alert. Scattered to fairly widespread rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds will affect northeast and adjoining east India.

• Isolated heavy rainfall likely in the northeast from March 30 to April 1.
• Isolated rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected over south peninsular India this week.
• A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect north-west India from April 2.
• Snowfall is expected over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand with that system.

Temperature snapshot

In the past 24 hours, Akola in Maharashtra recorded the highest maximum at 41.2°C. Najibabad in west Uttar Pradesh logged the lowest minimum at 15.6°C.

In the national capital, temperatures rose by one to two degrees Celsius over the same period. Maximums ranged between 32°C and 34°C, while minimums ranged between 19°C and 21°C.

Advisories for farmers

The IMD has advised farmers to use hail nets or hail caps for orchards and vegetable crops. This applies in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

• Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and west Madhya Pradesh should also adopt protective measures.
• Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh were included in the advisory.

Farmers are urged to harvest mature crops immediately and shift them to safer places. In Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha, harvest mature wheat, sorghum, safflower, chickpea, maize and linseed.

Store fruits and vegetables in safe locations. In Uttarakhand, harvest mature mustard, rapeseed, lentil and pea crops and keep the produce safe.

The forecasts and advisories were issued by the India Meteorological Department. Filmogaz.com reported this update.