Strong Pre-Monsoon Activity Over North India Next Week : Hailstorm Likely
Under the combined influence of a Western Disturbance and an induced cyclonic circulation, there has been rain and thunderstorm/dust storm activity over parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi during the last two days. Day temperatures had earlier climbed to 41°–42°C over Ludhiana, Patiala, Amritsar, Ambala, Karnal, and many other neighbouring places. Ganganagar, Suratgarh, and Anupgarh had crossed 44°C for a few days. The current spell of weather activity has slumped mercury levels to the high 30s at many places. The maximum temperature still remains above 40°C at a few places in Haryana and Rajasthan.
Key Takeaways
- Western Disturbance and cyclonic circulation triggering widespread storms across North India.
- Temperatures drop from 40°C+ to high 30s across many regions.
- Severe thunderstorms with winds above 60 km/h expected next week.
- Peak weather activity likely between May 4 and May 7.
The pre-monsoon activity is going to escalate in intensity and spread during next week over large parts of North India. Multiple factors will work in tandem to broaden the envelope of seasonal convective weather. A deep trough in the higher levels of the atmosphere moving across Central Asia and North Pakistan will catalyse and complement the weather activity across the Indian region. Typical dust storms and thunderstorms will cover vast areas of the plains of North India. Tall clouds with strong updrafts will raise the chances of hailstorms at some places.
Weather activity will begin tomorrow with isolated thunderstorms/dust storms and build further on Sunday, 03rd May 2026. The scale will expand and intensify during next week. Many parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi will witness rough weather conditions, loaded with typical pre-monsoon hazards. Severe thunderstorms/dust storms accompanied by strong winds in excess of 60 km/h are likely over the plains. The activity may be simultaneous over a massive area, detrimental for agriculture, aviation, travel, and outdoor activity. There are signatures of hailstorms triggered by the deep trough, carrying the potential to damage crops and impact air operations. Most activity is expected during late afternoon and evening hours. Breaks are likely in the morning and forenoon hours, allowing temperatures to rise to the mid and high 30s across the region.
Light to moderate weather activity is expected on 02nd and 03rd May. Peak activity will take place between 04th and 07th May, with a clear spike in intensity on 04th and 05th May. Strict caution needs to be exercised against lightning strikes, gale-speed winds, flying loose objects acting as projectiles, and the felling of trees. The remnant effect of the system will continue for the subsequent two days. Broad clearance is likely only after 10th May 2026. No heat wave is expected till the middle of the month.
