Massive Cloud Band to Impact Weather Across India; Thunderstorms Likely in Several States

Western Disturbance Triggers Major Weather Shift
A significant change in weather patterns is expected across parts of India due to an active western disturbance and an upper-air cyclonic circulation. According to the India Meteorological Department, satellite images show a massive cloud band stretching nearly 1,000 kilometres across northwest India and Pakistan, indicating widespread rainfall activity.

Rain, Thunderstorms to Hit North India
The impact of this system is likely to be felt in states including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, where heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected. The weather system is also set to extend towards Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Cities like Lucknow, Meerut, and Agra may experience moderate to heavy rain with wind speeds reaching up to 60 kmph. There is also a risk of crop damage due to heavy rain and hailstorms.

Temporary Relief from Heatwave Conditions
The rainfall is expected to bring temporary relief from rising temperatures across north India. However, weather experts warn that this राहत will be short-lived, as temperatures may rise again sharply once the system weakens.

Kalbaisakhi to Intensify in Odisha
Meanwhile, Odisha is also set to witness continued thunderstorm activity for the next four days. Kalbaisakhi conditions are expected to intensify, bringing rain, lightning, and gusty winds across coastal and interior regions.

Yellow Warning Issued for Multiple Districts
Districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and Gajapati may experience thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph. Other districts such as Puri, Khordha, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nayagarh, Nabarangpur, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Angul are likely to receive rainfall with winds of 30–40 kmph. A yellow warning has been issued for these regions.

Slight Drop in Temperature Expected
Rainfall over the next 24 hours may lead to a slight drop in temperature by 2–3°C, offering some relief from the prevailing heat. The weather department has forecast continued rainfall activity in Odisha until April 7.