After days of searing temperatures, North India is finally getting a much-needed break from the heat. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi-NCR can expect partly cloudy skies and light showers on Sunday, while several other states are in for more dramatic weather patterns, including thunderstorms and hail.

Delhi’s Cool Turn

The capital city witnessed a shift in weather with a noticeable drop in temperature—down to a breezy 38°C—accompanied by light rain and gusty winds. The IMD has predicted wind speeds of 10–20 km/h throughout the day, offering temporary relief from the sweltering conditions.

Thunderstorms Brewing Across the North

Regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand are bracing for isolated hailstorms, strong winds, and lightning. A western disturbance is driving these changes, bringing with it spells of rain, hail, and even snow in higher altitudes. Notably, Jammu & Kashmir’s Chanderkote village in Ramban district was hit by a strong hailstorm on April 20.

UP Steps Into Action

In Uttar Pradesh, wind speeds are expected to pick up to 30–50 km/h across several districts. Hailstorms are also on the radar, particularly in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. With the threat of extreme weather looming, the UP government has swung into action. Officials have been directed to visit affected areas, assess damage, and ensure that timely aid is delivered. This includes immediate relief for families facing losses, medical care for the injured, and compensation for livestock casualties. Crop damage assessments have also been initiated for further relief measures.

Storm Watch: UP Districts on Alert

The IMD has issued a storm alert for a long list of districts in Uttar Pradesh, including:

• Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Fatehpur
• Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Bhadohi
• Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar
• Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Rural, Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar
• Bagpat, Meerut, Etawah, Auraiya, Bijnor, Amroha, Moradabad, Rampur, Jalaun

These areas may experience thunderstorms accompanied by light to heavy rainfall.

Bengal Braces for a Downpour

Meanwhile, West Bengal is also in for a stormy Sunday. The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across both South and North Bengal, including major districts like Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas.

A Brief Respite, But Summer Isn’t Over Yet

While this spell brings welcome relief, it’s short-lived. The IMD has warned of a return to hot and dry conditions in most northern states starting April 21. Skies are expected to clear, and temperatures will climb again, particularly in regions like Agra, where the mercury has already crossed 41°C.