Uptick In Pre-Monsoon Activity Over North India, Thunderstorm-Dust Storm Likely

The northern plains have witnessed the least pre-monsoon activity in the month of April. No significant weather is likely over these parts today and tomorrow. However, the month of May is likely to start on a stormy note for many parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. The weather activity will extend further to the periphery of adjacent states as well. This is likely to be the first expansive weeklong spell of typical pre-monsoon activity for the northern parts.

Multiple factors are pooling together to increase the spread, intensity and duration of stormy weather during the opening week of May. A western disturbance is arriving in the late hours of 01st May 2025. A support cyclonic circulation is also coming up over Rajasthan and Punjab. An east-west trough will remain in position to enhance the weather activity. The low-level features have adequate support in the medium levels to sustain the activity.

The isolated weather activity will start in Rajasthan on 01st May. The next day, it will cover parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, but with gaps in between. Scale and spread will increase from 03rd May onwards and go on till 08th May. Rain, thundershowers, dust storms, lightning, and strong winds will be the highlights of the weeklong spell. Isolated pockets may witness strong activity with high-speed winds, dust storms reducing visibility, and loud thunder with frequent flashes of lightning.

The extended spell will mitigate the heat stress over the region. However, caution needs to be exercised during dust storms and lightning. Loose objects always have a chance to fly away with gale-speed winds. The flip side of inclement weather may impact the air operations, albeit for a limited duration. Delays and diversions need to be factored into the contingencies. Venturing outside in the open during severe lightning and loud thunder needs to be strictly avoided.