Orange Alert Issued for Hailstorm in Shimla; Delhi Weather Update

IMD Issues Warnings Across India Amid Thunderstorm Activity The **India Meteorological Department (IMD)** has raised alarms about widespread thunderstorm activity across the nation, primarily due to new **Western Disturbances** impacting the northwestern and central parts of India. As a result, residents can expect temperatures to remain normal to below average throughout the week. The IMD has confirmed, "No heatwave conditions are anticipated."

Forecasts indicate that heavy rainfall is likely to persist in northeastern cities, as well as in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir on March 19 and 20. This is part of a larger weather pattern affecting multiple states.

Hailstorm Alerts in Himachal Pradesh and Beyond The IMD has specifically predicted isolated hailstorm activity in **Himachal Pradesh** on **March 18 and 19**. Additionally, the states of **Uttarakhand**, **Punjab**, **Haryana**, **Chandigarh**, and **Rajasthan** are also at risk for hailstorms on **March 19-20**. This weather pattern raises serious concerns for agriculture and local communities.

In Central India, the IMD forecasts isolated thunderstorm activities, with accompanying gusty winds expected until March 21. Notably, hailstorms are predicted in Chhattisgarh on March 18-19, Vidarbha on March 18, and in Madhya Pradesh on March 20. Additionally, states such as West Bengal, Sikkim, and Odisha may experience thunderstorm activity on March 20 and 21.

Orange Alert for Shimla and Surrounding Regions An **orange alert** for hailstorms has been issued for parts of **Shimla** on **March 18-19**, with local authorities bracing for severe weather conditions. The IMD has also declared a yellow alert for heavy rainfall and snow in **Shimla** on **March 20**. Residents can expect thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, with speeds ranging from **40 to 60 km/h**, affecting Shimla, **Solan**, and surrounding areas from Wednesday through Friday.

In addition to Shimla, the orange hailstorm alert extends to Kullu and Mandi districts, with a yellow alert for heavy precipitation in isolated areas of Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu on Thursday and Friday. Other affected districts include Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Sirmaur, and Mandi, all of which are likely to experience thunderstorms and lightning.

Snowfall and Temperature Drops in the Region Since Monday evening, **Lahaul and Spiti**, along with **Kullu**, **Chamba**, and **Kinnaur**, have been experiencing snowfall, further complicating the weather situation. The city of **Chandigarh**, situated at the foothills of Himachal Pradesh, has also recorded a sudden drop in temperatures, with isolated hailstorm activity expected on **March 19-20**.

In Delhi, the weather forecast suggests thunderstorms and rainfall from March 18-20, with hailstorms possible in isolated areas. The intensity and coverage of the rainfall are predicted to peak on March 20, influenced by the ongoing Western Disturbance.

Hyderabad Weather Update: Rain and Thunderstorms Expected According to a report by PTI, experts note that conditions are favorable for dust storms and thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall starting Wednesday. For the period from **March 18 to 21**, the IMD forecasts isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds of **30-50 km/h** across **Telangana**.

A yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms and lightning in Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana on Wednesday, with expectations of continued unstable weather conditions until March 23. For March 18, a partly cloudy sky is expected in Hyderabad, with light to moderate rain anticipated towards the evening or night. The city's temperatures are projected to range between 35°C and 20°C, with a gradual decrease of 2-4 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures expected over the next two days.

Why It Matters: Understanding the Impact of Severe Weather This surge of severe weather conditions, including hailstorms and thunderstorms, poses significant risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and daily life across multiple states in India. The IMD's timely warnings and alerts are crucial for ensuring that communities can prepare for potential disruptions.

Looking ahead, it will be essential to monitor the progression of these weather patterns and their impact on local economies, particularly in agriculture-dependent regions. Residents should stay tuned to the IMD forecasts and heed safety precautions as conditions evolve in the coming days.

As we approach the end of March, it will be interesting to see how these weather disturbances influence climate patterns and agricultural outputs across India, especially given the unusual weather phenomena observed in recent years. Preparedness and awareness will be key in navigating these unpredictable conditions.