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Shimla/Chandigarh: In a striking weather reversal being described as “April Cool,” large parts of North India are witnessing winter-like conditions in April, with unseasonal rainfall, thunderstorms, gusty winds and even snowfall returning across the region.

From Himachal Pradesh to Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, the sudden drop in temperatures has forced residents to pull out jackets and blankets again, while raising serious concerns over agriculture and disruption to daily life.

In the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, fresh snowfall has been reported, while continuous rain has triggered landslides in areas such as Shimla’s Kharaphatar, Narkanda, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti, disrupting connectivity in several remote regions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts, warning of continued rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning activity across North India.

The impact of the active western disturbance is being strongly felt across the plains as well. Cities including Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Patiala recorded moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds of 40–60 kmph. Temperatures in several areas dropped sharply—by up to 12 degrees below normal—creating an unusual chill for this time of year.

Residents across urban centres reported a return to winter-like routines. “We had to use blankets and switch off fans. It felt like peak winter,” said Rajan Raheja, a Chandigarh resident, reflecting the sudden shift in weather.

In Delhi too, heavy rain and thunderstorms led to a significant drop in temperatures, offering temporary relief from heat but adding to concerns over erratic seasonal patterns.

However, while the “April Cool” spell has brought respite from rising temperatures, it has triggered alarm among farmers. According to Punjab’s agriculture department, over 1.25 lakh acres of crops have been damaged due to recent rain, hailstorms and strong winds. Wheat crops nearing harvest have been particularly affected in districts such as Muktsar, Fazilka and Bathinda.

Experts warn that horticulture may also suffer. Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh fear damage to flowering buds, a critical stage in the crop cycle. “This is flowering time, and the cold and rain could harm the apple harvest,” said Shivani Chauhan, a local resident.

The weather disturbance has also extended to parts of Uttar Pradesh, where rain, lightning and gusty winds have been reported, with further alerts issued for thunderstorms and hailstorms in the coming days.

The widespread and intense nature of this system underscores the growing unpredictability of weather patterns. With inflation, global tensions and climate concerns already weighing on households, this sudden return of winter-like conditions has added another layer of uncertainty—especially for farmers assessing potential crop losses.

For now, North India finds itself in an unusual climatic moment—where April is behaving more like January, leaving both citizens surprised and experts concerned about the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events. (OM Thakur input from Shimla)