After days of relentless hailstorms, thunderstorms, and heavy rain driven by an active Western disturbance, most of India will wake up to a much quieter Thursday.
According to reports, the storm has had its moment, and with the weather system in its final phase, the plains are catching a break at least for now while the northeast braces for more wet conditions.
The active Western Disturbance, which has been causing disruptions across northwest India, is fading. This brings a sigh of relief for residents of Delhi and surrounding areas, where skies are expected to clear, offering a brief respite from the recent bouts of extreme weather.
Delhi to Enjoy Clear Skies and Cool Temp
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi will get clear skies on Thursday, April 9. The maximum temperature is likely to be between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is expected to dip to 14 to 16 degrees Celsius, markedly below normal for this time of year.
“Northeasterly winds of up to 16 kilometres per hour are expected through the afternoon, picking up further in the evening,” the IMD said.
The city had already recorded its coolest April day in three years on April 8, and that chill will linger one more day before a gradual warming begins from April 10. Delhiites can expect a calm, clear Thursday, a welcome break after days of hail and thunderstorms.
Continued Rain in Northeast
While northwest India enjoys relief, the northeast is not out of the woods yet. The IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30 to 50 kilometres per hour across the northeast for the next five days.
“Isolated heavy rain is likely in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura on April 9. Isolated hailstorm activity is also possible in Meghalaya,” the report added, warning residents and farmers to stay alert.
The persistent rainfall will keep rivers swollen and the land soggy, making travel and outdoor activities difficult in several districts. Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates and take necessary precautions.
Scattered Rain Across Eastern States
Scattered light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30 to 50 kilometres per hour, gusting to 60 kilometres per hour is forecast for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha on April 9.
While rainfall is expected, the intensity is significantly lower than the violent conditions observed on April 8. Kolkata experienced squall winds reaching 81 kilometres per hour, and East Singhbhum recorded gusts of 76 kilometres per hour, but Thursday promises calmer skies and lighter showers.
Temperatures Set to Rise Soon
A brief respite from rain will be accompanied by a gradual rise in temperatures across much of the country. The IMD has forecast a sharp rise of eight to ten degrees Celsius in the plains of northwest India, including Uttar Pradesh, between April 9 and 14.
Central India will see temperatures climb by three to five degrees Celsius, while East India can expect a rise of four to six degrees Celsius beginning April 10.
Day temperatures are likely to remain below normal to near normal for the next three to four days before turning above normal, signaling the start of warmer days ahead.
South India, where hot and humid conditions are already expected in isolated pockets of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and coastal Karnataka, will continue to experience sustained heat over the next two to three weeks.
Agromet Advisories for Farmers
The recent hailstorms have caused significant damage to wheat crops across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The IMD’s agromet advisories urge farmers to harvest mature crops immediately and shift produce to safer, dry storage.
“Hail nets should be put in place wherever possible, particularly in fruit orchards. Excess rainwater must be drained from standing crops in Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha. Livestock should be kept indoors, and fodder stocks stored securely,” the advisories read.
These measures are crucial to minimize losses and protect both crops and livestock from the unpredictable weather that has gripped large parts of the country in the past week.
Glimpse of Calm Before the Heat
For many, Thursday represents a calm interlude, a chance to step outside without worrying about hail or gusting winds. Delhi and northwest India will enjoy clear skies and cool breezes, while the northeast and eastern states continue to prepare for scattered rainfall and thunderstorms.
As the Western Disturbance retreats, India transitions from a period of extreme weather to one of rising temperatures, signaling the onset of warmer, more typical April conditions. Residents are advised to make the most of this brief calm before the heat intensifies in the coming days.