Heavy Rain Alert in Maharashtra: IMD Issues Warning for January 2–5, Hailstorm Likely in Several Regions
Heavy Rain Alert in Maharashtra: IMD Issues Warning for January 2–5, Hailstorm Likely in Several Regions
Maharashtra Weather Update | January 2026
The weather pattern across Maharashtra and several parts of India has witnessed a dramatic shift over the past few days. While the state was experiencing an intense cold wave recently, unseasonal rainfall has now returned, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a heavy rain alert from January 2 to January 5. Along with rainfall, the IMD has also warned of possible hailstorms and cloudy conditions for the next 24 hours and beyond.
According to weather officials, Maharashtra had received heavy rainfall in early November, after which rain clouds disappeared from the state by the second week of the month. However, on January 1, 2026, the very first day of the new year, sudden heavy rain lashed parts of the state, catching residents off guard. The unexpected showers amid severe cold caused inconvenience to daily life.
IMD data indicates that cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall are likely to continue in parts of Maharashtra over the next two to three days. Despite January being a winter month, the state is expected to witness light to moderate rainfall in some regions throughout the month, and rain activity is unlikely to completely withdraw.
The cold wave conditions will persist in January, particularly over Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. Meanwhile, several districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, Hapur, Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Saharanpur, Shamli, Moradabad and Bijnor, have been placed under a light to moderate rain alert.
On a national scale, the IMD has forecast rainfall between January 2 and 5 in Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, with a possibility of hailstorms in isolated areas. In South India, parts of Tamil Nadu are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on January 2 and 3.
Meteorologists note that rapid fluctuations in weather—ranging from biting cold to heavy rainfall—are becoming increasingly common. At the same time, air pollution levels have surged in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Pune, raising serious health concerns. Following a spike in air pollution, civic bodies have faced criticism from courts, with pollution now emerging as a major environmental and public health issue.
Residents are advised to remain alert, follow IMD updates, and take necessary precautions during this period of unstable weather.
