Unseasonal Rain to Lash East and Central India with Hailstorms and Lightning Strikes

Unseasonal rainfall and thunderstorms have begun affecting parts of East and Central India, bringing much-needed moisture to regions that have been suffering from severe rain deficiencies. Between March 1 and March 20, Central India recorded a staggering 99% rainfall deficiency, while East and Northeast India experienced a 26% shortfall. Overall, pan-India rain deficiency stood at 24% during this period.

However, over the last 24 to 48 hours, many parts of East India and sections of Central India have witnessed rain and thunderstorms. This sudden shift in weather conditions can be attributed to an anticyclone positioned over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, which is pushing moisture across eastern and central parts of the country. Additionally, a trough extending from Chhattisgarh to North Interior Karnataka across Maharashtra is further intensifying this weather system.

The combined impact of these systems is expected to result in fairly widespread rainfall and thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds, lightning strikes, and hailstorm activity. The states most affected will include southeastern Bihar, parts of Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal over the next 24 to 48 hours. Scattered light to moderate rain and thunderstorms may also occur over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, parts of Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and East Madhya Pradesh.

One of the primary concerns arising from this unseasonal rainfall is the potential damage to standing crops. Strong winds and hailstorm activity in the affected states could lead to significant agricultural losses, impacting farmers who were already grappling with extreme temperatures in recent weeks. Many regions in Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C in the second and third weeks of March, which may have contributed to the development of these intense weather conditions.

A gradual relief from the rainfall is anticipated in western Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Chhattisgarh from March 23 onward. Typically, pre-monsoon rain activity begins in April and intensifies in May and June, leading to violent thunderstorms known locally as Nor'westers or "Kal Baisakhi." However, this year’s early and intense heatwave conditions may have triggered the current spate of unseasonal weather.

While this rainfall might provide temporary respite from the soaring temperatures, it also raises concerns about unpredictable weather patterns and their long-term impact on agriculture and daily life. Authorities and farmers must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate any potential damage caused by these severe weather events.