Nagpur tops Maharashtras hailstorm danger index, finds IMDs 30-year evaluation

A research carried out by scientists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revealed that Nagpur is essentially the most hailstorm-prone district in Maharashtra, with the best vulnerability and danger profile within the State. The research, titled, ‘Hailstorm Climatology over Maharashtra with Associated Impacts and Risk Assessment’ revealed on September 19, 2025, spans three many years from 1991 to 2020. It was authored by Shambu Ravindren and Sushma Nair of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai, and Soma Sen Roy of IMD Headquarters, New Delhi. 

The researchers undertook a complete district-wise evaluation of hailstorm occurrences, their depth, and the ensuing harm throughout Maharashtra. They discovered that of the 142 hailstorm days recorded throughout the research interval, 58% have been labeled as heavy and 42% as average. Interestingly, whereas heavy hailstorms dominated the early years, average hailstorms have turn into extra frequent lately. February emerged as essentially the most energetic month for hailstorm exercise, adopted by March and April. 

The research additionally revealed a definite diurnal sample in hailstorm occurrences. Nearly 40% of hailstorms have been recorded between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., with one other 20% occurring between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. This timing coincides with the interval when farmers and livestock are usually outside, rising the chance of unintended deaths and accidents. The median period of hailstorms was discovered to be 10 minutes, although some occasions lasted as much as an hour, posing prolonged threats to life and property. 

Using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2014 framework, the researchers calculated a Normalized Vulnerability Index (NVI) and Risk Score for every district, factoring in publicity indicators akin to agricultural space and inhabitants density.  

IMD scientist, Sushma Nair stated, “Nagpur was the one district labeled beneath the “Very High Risk” class. The authors famous that regardless of each Nagpur and Nashik being categorised as extremely susceptible districts, their danger profiles differ considerably.” 

She defined that Nagpur’s excessive sensitivity, pushed by socio-economic components akin to long-term impacts and a major beneath poverty line (BPL) inhabitants, coupled with restricted adaptive capability, locations it on the high of the chance scale. Nashik, then again, advantages from minimal publicity, which mitigates its total danger and locations it within the “Low Risk” class. 

The research additionally recognized a statistically important rising pattern in hailstorm occurrences in a contiguous belt throughout Marathwada—particularly within the districts of Jalna, Parbhani, Hingoli, and Nanded, and in South Madhya (Central) Maharashtra, together with Satara and Sangli. IMD scientist Shambu Ravindren stated, “These findings are essential for catastrophe preparedness and useful resource allocation, particularly in areas the place hailstorm exercise is intensifying.”

In phrases of harm, the agricultural sector was discovered to be essentially the most affected, accounting for 50.9% of whole reported losses. Structural harm contributed 13.3%, whereas human fatalities and accidents collectively made up 15.5%. Livestock deaths and accidents accounted for six.4%, chicken deaths for 3.2%, and different disruptions — together with uprooted timber, broken electrical poles, and interruptions to important providers — comprised 10.9% of the full harm. 

While heavy hailstorms have been accountable for almost all of fatalities and structural harm, average hailstorms have been practically as damaging to agriculture and infrastructure, particularly after they occurred ceaselessly. The authors warning that average hailstorms can’t be neglected, as their persistence and widespread affect can result in substantial losses. In truth, the yr 2020, which recorded 16 hailstorm days, noticed the best whole harm at 12.03%, with average hailstorms contributing extra to the harm than heavy ones. 

The research additionally highlighted regional disparities in harm patterns. Akola, as an illustration, reported larger cumulative harm than Nagpur regardless of having fewer hailstorm days, underscoring the position of inhabitants density and wealth in shaping affect outcomes. Similarly, districts like Nashik and Pune, which skilled comparatively frequent hailstorms, reported decrease whole harm in comparison with districts in Vidarbha, pointing to the affect of socio-economic and infrastructural components. 

The authors emphasise the necessity for region-specific catastrophe preparedness methods, together with early warning techniques, crop insurance coverage schemes, infrastructure resilience, and livelihood diversification. Ms. Nair stated, “A multi-pronged method to catastrophe administration is crucial to safeguard livelihoods and construct resilience in hailstorm-prone areas of Maharashtra. This research demonstrates the broader societal affect of hailstorms and the significance of integrating vulnerability, publicity, and hazard information to tell coverage and planning.”