Hailstorms in India: What’s Happening and How to Stay Safe

When you hear the word “hailstorm,” you probably picture a sudden shower of ice balls hitting the ground. In India, these bursts can turn a normal day into a chaotic one in minutes. From Delhi’s heavy rains to unexpected ice in the north, hailstorms are becoming a part of the seasonal story. Let’s break down why they happen, what recent events tell us, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Why Hailstorms Form

Hail starts in strong thunderstorms. Warm air pushes moist air upward, where temperatures drop below freezing. Tiny droplets freeze, fall a bit, collect more water, and freeze again. This cycle repeats until the hailstones become heavy enough to fall. In India, the monsoon season and the clash of hot and cold air masses create the perfect recipe for these violent showers.

Recent Hailstorm Highlights Across the Country

Last month, Delhi’s weather bureau, IMD, issued a yellow alert because three weather systems were feeding heavy rain. While the alerts focused on rain, the same conditions can trigger hail in the city’s outskirts. A similar pattern was seen in Uttarakhand where orange alerts warned of intense downpours and occasional hail. Even the agricultural belts of Punjab and Haryana reported unexpected ice pellets that damaged crops and vehicles.

These events remind us that a rain alert often means more than just water. Hail can damage roofs, break windows, and make roads slippery. In the recent Delhi airport chaos, pilots had to divert flights because low visibility and hail made the runway unsafe. It’s a clear sign that hailstorms are not just a rural issue – they affect urban infrastructure too.For those following the startup scene, weather disruption can cause event postponements, logistics delays, and even impact stock movements. The Ola Electric stock wobble, for instance, was partly blamed on a slowdown in production due to unexpected weather shutdowns in its factories.

So, what should you do when a hailstorm is on the horizon?

Practical Safety Tips

1. Stay Informed – Keep an eye on IMIM’s alerts. A yellow alert usually means rain, but pay attention to any mention of “thunderstorms” or “hail.” Mobile weather apps often push notifications when hail is expected.

2. Protect Your Vehicle – If you can, park under a garage or a covered structure. If not, cover your car with a sturdy tarp to avoid dented hoods and broken windows.

3. Secure Outdoor Items – Move garden furniture, bikes, and loose tools indoors. Hail can turn a simple lawn chair into a flying projectile.

4. Stay Indoors During the Storm – Close windows and doors. If you’re caught outside, find shelter under a solid roof – never under a tree, as branches can break under the weight of ice.

5. Check After the Storm – Once the hail stops, look for damage to roofs, gutters, and windshields. Early repairs can prevent leaks and bigger problems later.

Remember, hailstorms are brief but intense. The damage they cause often shows up later, so a quick post‑storm inspection can save you money and hassle.

By staying alert and taking a few simple steps, you can reduce the risk of injury and property damage. Keep these tips handy, follow local weather alerts, and you’ll be ready the next time ice starts falling from the sky.