New Delhi: Large parts of India are bracing for a wet and turbulent Monday, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues warnings for heavy rain, hailstorms, thunderstorms, and strong gusty winds across northwest, northeast, and central India.

The extreme weather is being driven by a western disturbance, currently positioned as an upper-air cyclonic circulation over northern Iran and the adjoining Caspian Sea. Another western disturbance is forecast to enter northwest India from April 2, prolonging the unsettled weather pattern.

Heavy rain forecast for Kashmir and Northern states

The IMD has issued alerts for isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall over the Kashmir Valley on Monday. Widespread light to moderate rain and snow, accompanied by thunderstorms and surface winds of 30–50 km/h, are expected across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Hailstorms are a potential hazard in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and eastern Rajasthan on both Sunday and Monday, raising concerns for farmers and residents in these regions.

Delhi weather update for Monday

Delhi is expected to experience a partly cloudy morning, turning generally overcast by afternoon. The IMD forecasts light rain or drizzle with thunderstorms and lightning through the afternoon and evening.

Maximum temperatures in the capital are expected to remain between 28–30°C, slightly below normal for late March, while minimum temperatures are forecast at 20–22°C, a little above average.

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Independent meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya noted that while Punjab may experience the brunt of dust storms reaching 50–75 km/h alongside moderate to heavy rainfall, Delhi and the Haryana-NCR region are likely to see only isolated showers.

Heatwave unlikely across India in early April

Frequent western disturbances are expected to keep temperatures below normal across north and central India, making an early heatwave unlikely before late April. According to Dahiya, temperatures may remain 2–5°C lower than normal until at least April 20, 2026.

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Heavy rain alerts in Northeast India

The IMD has issued warnings for isolated heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya from March 30 to April 1. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are expected to see heavy rain, specifically on Monday. Farmers in these regions are advised to harvest mature crops and secure produce ahead of the downpours.

Hailstorm activity is also anticipated over Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh on March 31, prompting further caution for agriculture.

Coastal and maritime warnings

Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the southeastern Bay of Bengal and parts of the Arabian Sea, including areas along and off the Oman coast, due to rough seas and strong winds associated with the western disturbance.