New Delhi, April 1 -- IMD issued orange alert for heavy rains in Maharashtra, Telangana and Chhattisgarh today. "Thundersquall (wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph) with hailstorm activity likely over Chhattisgarh" till 2 April, and "Vidarbha on 01st & 02nd April," the report said.

The weather agency predicted below normal till 6 April. At the same time a gradual rise in maximum temperature of around 2-4degC is likely over Northwest India till 3rd April and then, gradual fall by 2-4degC between 4 and 6 April.

For Maharashtra's Vidarbha region and Chhattisgarh, IMD predicted gradual fall in maximum temperatures by 2-4degC till 2 April. "Gradual fall in maximum temperatures by 2-4degC likely over Maharashtra till 04th April,...