Weather Alert Today: The weather has taken a turn in the beginning of April. Due to strong Western Disturbance, strong thunderstorm, rain and hailstorm were seen in North India including Delhi-NCR. IMD has issued a yellow alert and warned that this weather system is not over yet.
IMD Weather Update: While the heat should have increased in the beginning of April, the weather in North India has suddenly changed. A tremendous weather collision was witnessed on Saturday, which turned many areas including Delhi-NCR into a dark, cold and stormy environment. Now the danger is not over, rather this weather system is going to move ahead and engulf new areas. IMD (India Meteorological Department) has clearly warned that the situation may worsen in the coming hours.
Why did the weather change suddenly?
The biggest reason behind this entire weather change is Western Disturbance. This is a system that brings moisture from the distant Mediterranean towards India. When this system collides with the hot air of North India, large storm clouds are formed in the sky. These clouds cause sudden heavy rain, thunderstorm and hailstorm. This time this system is even stronger, hence its effect also seems more dangerous.
What happened in Delhi-NCR and what will happen next?
On Saturday, the sky turned black in Delhi-NCR during the day, strong winds blew and it also rained at many places. IMD has issued a yellow alert in view of this situation. This means that the weather may take a dangerous turn and people need to remain alert. Although the maximum impact was seen in Delhi on Saturday, but the system is now moving forward i.e. the danger is not over yet.
Which areas are at greater risk on Sunday?
This weather system is now shifting towards the interior parts of North India. There is a danger of strong thunderstorm and rain on Sunday, especially in Jhansi, Gwalior and many parts of North Madhya Pradesh. The weather in these areas may suddenly worsen by afternoon or evening. The speed of strong winds can reach 60-70 km/h, which is enough to fall trees and damage weak structures.
Why is hail falling in April?
Actually, the air inside storm clouds moves upward very fast. It takes water droplets to a height and freezes them, where they turn into ice. Then these layers of ice keep moving up and down again and again and grow larger and fall on the ground in the form of hail. That means it may be hot outside, but the temperature inside the clouds is extremely cold. This is the reason why hail is falling even in April.
Why has the danger increased for farmers?
While rain reduces the temperature slightly, hailstorm becomes a big problem for farmers. There have already been reports of damage to crops in Rajasthan and Haryana. Now when this system is moving towards western Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, crops there are also in danger. In such a situation, farmers need to be especially cautious.
What precautions should you take?
- The weather can change suddenly, so do not be careless at all.
- Do not stand in open ground, stay away from trees and electric poles. It is safest to stay indoors during strong winds and lightning.
- If you are travelling, do check the weather updates.