The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a special weather bulletin warning of an impending spell of inclement weather over parts of Central India starting April 12th.
According to the alert, isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are expected across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Madhya Maharashtra over the next three days.
The weather system responsible for this unsettled weather is a cyclonic circulation over Saurashtra and Kutch, which is linked to a trough extending down to South Interior Karnataka. Additionally, a cyclonic circulation over North Odisha and another over the Comorin area are also contributing to the unsettled conditions.
Of particular concern is the forecast for hailstorm activity at isolated places over Madhya Pradesh on April 12 and 13, as well as in Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada on April 12. The IMD has warned that the hail, coupled with squally winds reaching 50-60 km/h gusting up to 70 km/h, could potentially cause damage to plantations, horticulture crops, and vulnerable structures.
Agromet advisories have been issued, recommending farmers to harvest mature crops, fruits, and vegetables during clear weather and to use hail nets or caps to protect orchards. Providing mechanical support to horticultural crops and staking for vegetables has also been advised for the affected regions.