IMD Weather Update: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued urgent weather alerts for 13 states across North and East India. The forecast warns of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60–70 km/h over the coming days.
Regional Alert Classifications
The IMD has categorized alerts based on severity. Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are under a ‘Yellow Alert.’ Hilly districts of Uttarakhand—specifically Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh—are under an ‘Orange Alert.’ Additionally, Bihar, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and Mizoram are bracing for heavy rainfall.
Delhi-NCR Forecast
Delhi-NCR, currently experiencing light showers, remains under a Yellow Alert from 29 April to 1 May. On 29 April, residents can expect thunderstorms with winds up to 60 km/h. By 30 April, temperatures are forecast to drop to a maximum of 37°C. Clearing conditions are anticipated by 1 May, with temperatures projected to climb back toward 40°C.
Conditions in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh expects patchy clouds and light showers, particularly in the Lucknow region. Bihar faces a heightened storm warning, impacting districts including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Purnia, with Patna’s temperature likely to hover around 36°C. While Rajasthan cities like Jaisalmer and Jaipur continue to record heat above 40°C, Ganganagar and Bikaner face potential hailstorms.
Impact on Hill States
Uttarakhand’s hill districts report severe disruption, with high winds and rain uprooting trees and damaging infrastructure. In Bageshwar, property damage has been reported following a tree collapse. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh faces storm warnings across Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, and Una, with overnight temperatures in Manali expected to dip to -1°C.
Further Alerts for North and East India
Punjab and Haryana brace for thundersqualls with winds reaching 70 km/h, while Punjab districts such as Amritsar and Mohali expect heavy rainfall. Jammu & Kashmir anticipates mixed weather, including snowfall, rain, and hailstorms. In West Bengal, storms are forecast for Kolkata and surrounding districts until 3 May, with heavy rain predicted for the sub-Himalayan belt. Mizoram remains on high alert, leading to the closure of schools across nine districts.
Health and Safety Guidelines
The Health Department urges residents in affected areas to remain indoors between 11 am and 4 pm. Authorities emphasize avoiding non-essential travel during storm conditions and seeking secure shelter immediately if weather conditions deteriorate.
