The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a widespread weather alert, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across several parts of the country. According to the latest forecast, 21 states are likely to experience adverse weather conditions over the next 24 hours, bringing much-needed relief from the ongoing heatwave but also increasing the risk of localized flooding, lightning strikes, and storm-related damage.

The weather department has cautioned that wind speeds could reach up to 80 km/h in some regions. Residents, farmers, and travelers have been advised to stay updated with local weather bulletins and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during severe weather conditions.

Rainfall Likely Across 21 States

The latest forecast indicates that rainfall activity will intensify over large parts of northern, eastern, central, and northeastern India.

States expected to experience rain, thunderstorms, or gusty winds include:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Delhi
• Bihar
• Haryana
• Punjab
• Rajasthan
• Jharkhand
• Chhattisgarh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Uttarakhand
• Ladakh
• West Bengal
• Odisha
• Sikkim
• Maharashtra
• Assam
• Tripura
• Nagaland
• Tamil Nadu
• Karnataka
• Andhra Pradesh

The increased rainfall is expected to bring down daytime temperatures in many regions, providing relief from prolonged hot weather.

Strong Winds and Lightning Warning

Apart from heavy rainfall, several states may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and powerful wind gusts.

The IMD has warned that wind speeds could range between 50 km/h and 80 km/h, depending on the region.

Authorities have advised people to:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms.
• Avoid taking shelter under isolated trees.
• Keep away from electric poles and damaged structures.
• Follow local administration advisories.
• Monitor official weather updates before travelling.

Farmers have also been advised to avoid working in open fields during periods of intense lightning and heavy rainfall.

Weather Conditions Behind the Forecast

According to meteorological observations, the changing weather pattern is being influenced by multiple atmospheric systems.

A cyclonic circulation remains active over parts of northern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas in the lower tropospheric levels. Another cyclonic circulation has developed over the northeastern and east-central Bay of Bengal in the middle and upper atmospheric levels.

These systems are expected to enhance moisture inflow, resulting in widespread rainfall across several parts of the country.

Regional Weather Forecast

Uttar Pradesh

Many districts, including Noida, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Mathura, Agra, Rae Bareli, Kanpur, Jhansi, Banda, Fatehpur, Chitrakoot, and Varanasi, are likely to witness thunderstorms and rain.

Wind speeds may reach 70–80 km/h in isolated locations.

Bihar

Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected across districts such as Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Katihar, Supaul, Saharsa, Araria, and East & West Champaran.

Strong winds of 60–65 km/h may accompany the storms.

Rajasthan

Several districts, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Kota, Udaipur, Sikar, Churu, Sri Ganganagar, and Alwar, are under rain and thunderstorm alerts.

Wind gusts may reach 60–65 km/h in some areas.

Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh

Hill districts are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall.

In Uttarakhand, districts such as Nainital, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, Champawat, and Almora may experience thunderstorms with gusty winds.

Himachal Pradesh is also likely to witness rain in Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, Solan, Mandi, Una, and Kinnaur.

Tourists travelling to hilly regions are advised to check local weather updates before beginning their journeys.

Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

Rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is expected across several districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain, Satna, Rewa, Damoh, Raigarh, Raipur, Bilaspur, and Dhamtari.

West Bengal and Odisha

Heavy rainfall is forecast in multiple districts of West Bengal and Odisha, with the possibility of lightning and localized waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Temperature Outlook

Although rainfall is expected across many states, temperatures will continue to vary depending on cloud cover and rainfall intensity.

Some forecast maximum temperatures include:

Safety Advisory

The IMD has urged residents to remain alert as heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds could disrupt normal life in several regions. Farmers should avoid field activities during thunderstorms, while commuters and travelers are advised to plan journeys carefully, especially in hilly areas where rainfall may trigger landslides or road disruptions.

People are encouraged to follow official weather updates and local administration advisories until the severe weather conditions subside.