The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for thunderstorms and hailstorms in isolated areas of Uttara Kannada, Dharwad, and Shivamogga in Karnataka scheduled for a three-hour window on March 25, 2025. Forecasters predict that these storms may bring gusty winds reaching speeds of 41-61 km/h, causing concerns about the potential impact on local communities.
Rainfall data from the day shows significant temperature variations across Karnataka. On March 25, the maximum temperature ranged from 31.9°C in Kodagu to a scorching 38.6°C in Kalaburagi. Bengaluru residents experienced temperatures fluctuating between 33.3°C and 34.8°C. Furthermore, the 12-hour forecast for Bengaluru predicts a partly cloudy sky, with temperatures expected to reach a maximum of 33°C and a minimum of 22°C.
According to the IMD, the weather pattern experienced on March 24 and 25 was notable across peninsular India. Heavy thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds, ranging between 30 to 50 km/h, were recorded in states like Karnataka and Kerala between March 24 and March 27, 2025.
In addition to the alerts, the IMD reported rainfall data for multiple districts. On March 25, Gadag received the highest rainfall at 17.6 mm, following closely by Dharwad with 8.4 mm, Davanagere with 3.0 mm, and Karwar with 0.2 mm. The sporadic hailstorms particularly captured attention on social media, as locals in Padiyani, Kodagu, were seen collecting "ice cubes" that rained down during these storms.
The weather is expected to remain unpredictable due to an incoming Western disturbance that is anticipated to affect parts of the western Himalayan region from the night of March 24, resulting in rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand until March 27, 2025. This disturbance is likely to alter the climatic conditions further across the region, with heavy rain and snowfall expected in Jammu and Kashmir and neighboring areas on March 26.
In contrast, the temperature in the plains of North-West India is projected to increase by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next two days with maximum temperatures expected to rise significantly. This period from March 24 to March 27 will see regions like Delhi experiencing dry weather with highs reaching 39°C by March 26. Officials warn hot and humid weather may engulf various coastal areas, especially in Gujarat on March 24 and 25, along with similar conditions in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal through March 27.
A key focus for disaster preparedness agencies will be on the hazardous weather expected in states such as Karnataka and Kerala, where strong winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall could pose risks to public safety and infrastructure. Local emergency services are on high alert as the communities brace for the expected inclement conditions.
The IMD's predictions serve as a crucial resource for farmers and local industries, especially as agricultural patterns are disrupted by extreme weather. Many farmers rely on these forecasts for planning their sowing and harvesting schedules, and amending their strategies to mitigate the impact of adverse weather on their crops.
The extent of these weather disturbances speaks volumes about the ongoing climatic shifts in the subcontinent, raising questions about long-term trends and the need for enhanced disaster management protocols to ensure community resilience. The IMD emphasizes continual monitoring and timely alerts to prepare the public adequately for the capricious nature of the Indian weather.
