Storm and hail damage crops; Chouhan steps in with relief measures
Unseasonal rains, gusty winds, and a sudden cold spell over the past two days are being caused by a rare weather phenomenon: a dense, straight-line cloud structure stretching from Afghanistan through Pakistan into India. Meteorologists say its unusual formation could trigger heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, and, in higher reaches, heavy snowfall.
The unseasonal weather has already caused extensive damage to standing rabi crops. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed officials to coordinate with State Governments for a detailed assessment of losses. “Not only did it rain, but many areas also experienced hailstorms, resulting in damage to the crops,” Chouhan told reporters after reviewing the country’s agricultural situation. He noted that wheat, chickpeas, sorghum, and fruit orchards including mango, grape, and banana have been affected.
Satellite imagery confirms the unusual scale and shape of the system. Meteorologists attribute it to an intensification of a western disturbance-a cloud system originating in the west that typically brings winter rain and snow to northern India. Core moisture comes from evaporation over the Mediterranean, Caspian, Black, and Persian Gulf seas, further enhanced over the Arabian Sea before reaching the Himalayas.
Amateur weather expert Navdeep Dahiya posted on X: “Western disturbance under complete intensification now! On & off spell of moderate to heavy rains likely in Delhi NCR, Haryana, Chandigarh till evening hours. Watch for water logging in low lying patches. Cold day conditions likely.”
Delhi-NCR woke to rainfall and a yellow warning on Friday, with a minimum temperature of 16°C-4.5°C below normal. Scattered showers and strong winds on Thursday brought the maximum down to 26.8°C, the lowest since February 24.The spell is expected to last a couple of days, but more western disturbances are forecast around March 23 and 28, though their intensity remains uncertain.
