Severe weather has swept across large parts of India in recent days, drastically changing conditions and affecting daily life. On Friday evening, April 11, 2025, a powerful dust storm followed by heavy rain hit the Delhi-NCR region, bringing much-needed relief from the oppressive heat that had gripped the area. However, this abrupt shift in weather has also caused significant disruption, including flight cancellations and crop damage in various states.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather has turned dramatically over the past 48 hours, with thunderstorms and rain reported from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. This change has provided some respite from the heat, but it has also created new challenges for farmers, particularly those with standing Rabi crops, which have suffered extensive damage.
In Delhi, the storm led to waterlogging in several areas and caused trees to fall. Reports indicate that over 400 flights were either delayed or canceled at the Indira Gandhi International Airport due to the severe weather, leaving passengers stranded for hours. The IMD has issued severe warnings for the coming days, predicting continued thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across many northern states.
"The weather may worsen in several states of North India over the next 48 hours," the IMD stated, highlighting the potential for strong winds, thunderstorms, and hail in areas such as Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. In Bihar, the situation has been particularly dire, with reports of 24 fatalities due to lightning strikes during the storms.
As the storms swept through Rajasthan, two deaths were reported due to the severe weather conditions. Hailstorms were recorded in multiple districts, including Dausa, Nagaur, and Gangapur City, with significant crop damage reported. The IMD has warned that a new heatwave will begin affecting the region from April 13, 2025, with temperatures expected to soar again.
While the storms have brought temporary relief, the IMD is cautioning residents to remain vigilant. In Bihar, the weather department has predicted thunderstorms and heavy rain, advising farmers to take necessary precautions to protect their crops. The IMD has also issued yellow alerts for various states, indicating the likelihood of severe weather.
In Jharkhand and West Bengal, thunderstorms are expected to continue into the evening, with wind speeds reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour. The weather department has warned that hailstorms could occur in these regions as well, adding to the ongoing weather challenges.
The IMD's forecasts suggest that the weather will remain unstable for the next several days, with light to moderate rain expected in northeastern states. Areas like Kerala are also under a pre-monsoon rain alert, indicating ongoing weather disturbances that could lead to further complications.
Overall, while the recent storms have provided a brief respite from the heat, they have also created significant challenges for residents and farmers alike. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to stay informed and take precautions as necessary.
As the situation develops, residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay indoors during severe weather events. Local authorities are working to restore services disrupted by the storms, including power outages caused by fallen trees and damaged infrastructure.
In summary, India is currently experiencing a tumultuous weather pattern, with storms and heavy rains affecting numerous states and causing both relief from heat and challenges for the agricultural sector. The IMD's ongoing alerts and forecasts will be crucial for keeping the public informed as conditions evolve.
