Impact of elevated aerosol layer on the cloud macrophysical properties prior to monsoon onset

► Elevated aerosol layer (2-5 km) was caused by increased dust emission from Thar Desert. ► Interaction of aerosol via radiation parameterization is investigated with WRF-Chem. ► Enhanced dust emission leads to increased heating in the elevated aerosol layers. ► Enhanced dust emissions may influence cloud distribution and precipitation patterns.