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Western Disturbance Brings Hail, Snow to Himalayas; Crops Damaged in Dewas

A Western Disturbance is currently affecting the Western Himalayas and adjoining plains, bringing rainfall, snowfall, and isolated hailstorms. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for dense fog and a cold wave across several northern states. In Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, a severe hailstorm caused significant damage to crops like potato, garlic, and wheat, as reported by local residents. Another fresh Western Disturbance is forecast to impact northwest India from January 30th.

Key Points: IMD Warns of Heavy Rain, Hailstorms in Western Himalayas

  • Rain & snow in Western Himalayas
  • Isolated heavy falls & hailstorms
  • Crop damage in Dewas
  • Dense fog & cold wave warnings
  • Fresh disturbance expected Jan 30
2 min read

Western disturbance brings rain, snowfall to Western Himalayas; isolated heavy falls and hailstorms expected today

A Western Disturbance brings rain, snow, and damaging hailstorms to North India, causing significant crop damage in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas region.

"People have faced a huge loss. Potato, garlic, onion, wheat, including chick pea, every crop incurred damage. - Ratan Singh"

Dewas, January 28

A Western disturbance is bringing rain and snowfall to the Western Himalayas, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms expected on January 27-28, 2026, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Light/moderate rainfall likely at some places over the adjoining plains of northwest India and Madhya Pradesh, along with isolated hailstorms on 27th January, 2026.

Dense fog and cold wave warnings have been issued for Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and other areas. A fresh Western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of 30th January, 2026.

Temperature: Minimum temperatures are expected to drop by 3-5°C in Northwest India, Central India, and Gujarat over the next 2 days, according to IMD.

The Dewas region of Madhya Pradesh experienced strong winds and hailstorms that lashed parts of the state on Wednesday morning from 7 am to 7:30 am.

The hailstorm and strong winds destroyed crops in the area. A local resident shared her experience with ANI that "It hails a lot and people faces lot of damage."

Local people have suffered crop damage, including to potato and garlic crops, due to hailstorms.

A local resident of Dewas, Ratan Singh, speaking to ANI, said, "People have faced a huge loss. Potato, garlic, onion, wheat, including chick pea, every crop incurred damage."

The hailstorms, along with rain occured in the morning for around half an hour. Ratan Singh, a local resident, said, "The hailstorm continued till 7 to 7:30 PM."

Ratan Singh, a local, said, "It is now upto the government. The strong winds have also broken many trees, blown off roofs, and caused damage to houses. So, we suffered a lot of damage from this hailstorm."

Western Disturbances (WDs) are crucial extra-tropical weather systems originating in the Mediterranean region, bringing winter rain and snow to North India, vital for Rabi crops (wheat) by replenishing soil moisture, and causing temperature fluctuations, fog, and influencing summer monsoons, all driven by the Westerly Jet Stream.

They are low-pressure systems that pick up moisture as they travel across West Asia, Iran, and Afghanistan. When they hit the Himalayas, the air rises, cools, and condenses, causing rain on plains and snow in higher altitudes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The science behind Western Disturbances is fascinating. It's incredible how a weather system from the Mediterranean affects our crops and water supply here. But the immediate human cost is so severe. Hope the relief reaches quickly.
A
Aditya G
Good that IMD is giving warnings, but are they reaching the small farmers in villages in time? My uncle in Haryana also got his wheat damaged last week. We need better last-mile communication for weather alerts, maybe through local radio or WhatsApp groups.
P
Priya S
The snowfall in the Himalayas is a blessing for water levels, but these unseasonal hailstorms on the plains are a curse. Climate change is making these events more extreme. Time for more investment in resilient farming and crop insurance that actually pays out.
M
Michael C
Reading about roofs being blown off is terrifying. It's not just crops, it's people's homes and safety. Disaster management teams should be on standby in these vulnerable districts when such warnings are issued.
K
Kavya N
Another fresh WD from 30th? Brace for more cold and fog in North India. Travel on highways will be a nightmare. Please everyone, drive safely and check flight/train schedules if you're travelling.

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