Unseasonal rain might halt farming activities over eastern and central India over the coming seven days, the weather bureau said.

It has issued orange alerts for West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of central Maharashtra, which advises authorities to be prepared in case of any damage due to these weather events.

"Thunderstorm with lightning/hail/gusty winds/ squall [likely] over Sub- Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Jharkhand and Bihar on 30th April; Odisha on 30th April and 01st May; Gangetic West Bengal, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada during 30th April-02nd May and Vidarbha and Telangana on 01st May," said a notice by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday.

"Farming operations may be suspended during the event," IMD's notice further added.

This might affect current plantations of paddy, sesame, and various vegetables in West Bengal and Odisha, while the damage in central India might limited to delay in sowing of cotton plantations that usually begin in May.

A cyclonic circulation over central India is the cause of this bout of unseasonal rain. There is a possibility of hail in some locations as well, IMD warned.

Speaking about the impact expected due to this weather event, the weather office said: "Strong wind/hail may damage plantation, horticulture and standing crops. Hail may injure people and cattle at open places."

Earlier this month, IMD said in its stage one forecast that this year's southwest monsoon is likely to be 98% of its long-performing average, which would make it a third consecutive year of normal or above-normal monsoon. A more detailed forecast is likely by late May, when the meteorological conditions are clearer as the crucial weather system draws nearer.

Source: The Economic Times