New Delhi: An aggressive phase of the monsoon is set to hit most parts of the country, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a heavy rain and thunderstorm warning for 17 states on July 13.
According to the IMD forecast, the downpour will be accompanied by strong gusty winds blowing at speeds of 80 to 85 kmph. The weather department has warned that these high-velocity winds could uproot large trees. Additionally, a warning for deteriorating weather conditions has been issued for hilly states, while states in eastern India face the risk of lightning strikes and thunderstorms. Hailstorms are also anticipated in some states, which could damage standing crops.
The current weather pattern is being driven by an upper-air cyclonic circulation over northeastern Bihar and its adjoining areas, along with a similar cyclonic circulation over northeastern Assam and its neighborhood.
The 17 states placed under the heavy rain and storm alert include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Assam. During this period, general wind speeds across these states are expected to range between 70 and 80 kmph. The IMD has urged farmers and fishermen to exercise extreme caution.
Delhi
The capital is on alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms, with wind speeds likely to touch 50 to 60 kmph. Delhi’s maximum temperature on July 13 is expected to hit 38°C, while the minimum will settle around 31°C. (Note: The IMD forecast also highlights heavy rain warnings extending to June 15/July 15).
Uttar Pradesh
A heavy rain and storm alert has been sounded for several districts, including Maharajganj, Meerut, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Kushinagar, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Muzaffarnagar, Mathura, Agra, Etawah, Mainpuri, Deoria, Mahamaya Nagar, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj. In the capital Lucknow, the maximum temperature is expected to reach 38°C and the minimum will drop to 29°C.
Bihar
Valid from July 13 to 15, a heavy rain and storm alert covers Patna, Nawada, Gaya, Aurangabad, Siwan, Bhojpur, Sheikhpura, Lakhisaray, Buxar, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj, Bhagalpur, Araria, and Munger. Storms with wind speeds of 65 to 70 kmph are anticipated. In Patna, the maximum temperature will hover around 31°C and the minimum at 29°C.
Jharkhand
Heavy rain and storm warnings have been issued for Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Simdega, Khunti, Dumka, Deoghar, Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, and Palamu, with wind speeds reaching 70 to 80 kmph. Ranchi will record a maximum temperature of 29°C and a minimum of 24°C.
Uttarakhand
An alert from July 13 to 16 warns of heavy rain and stormy winds up to 60 to 65 kmph across Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Rudraprayag, and Almora. Dehradun will see a maximum of 33°C and a minimum of 25°C.
Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, Kullu, Sirmaur, Kangra, Una, Solan, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur are on alert for heavy rain and storms with wind speeds of 50 to 55 kmph. Manali will remain cold, with a maximum temperature of 17°C and a minimum of 9°C.
Jammu and Kashmir
An alert spanning July 13-14 predicts heavy rain and storms in Jammu, Poonch, Kupwara, Kulgam, Kathua, Muzaffarabad, Reasi, Kishtwar, and Anantnag. Srinagar will see a maximum of 28°C and a minimum of 17°C.
West Bengal
Heavy rain and strong winds blowing at 55 to 60 kmph are likely in Purba Bardhaman, Bankura, Kolkata, Howrah, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Malda, Murshidabad, and Durgapur. Kolkata is expected to register a maximum temperature of 29°C and a minimum of 27°C.
Punjab
Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Bathinda, Amritsar, Barnala, Pathankot, Faridkot, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Sangrur, and Firozpur are slated to receive heavy rain and storms, with wind speeds reaching 60 to 65 kmph.
Rajasthan
Light rain is expected in Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Churu, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, and Ajmer, accompanied by dust storms or winds at 30 to 40 kmph. Jaipur will record a maximum temperature of 36°C and a minimum of 29°C.
Madhya Pradesh
A yellow alert for rain has been issued for Shahdol, Seoni, Bhopal, Rajgarh, Sheopur, Neemuch, Agar Malwa, Vidisha, Balaghat, Khandwa, Hoshangabad, Khargone, Shivpuri, and Chhatarpur, alongside storm winds of 50 to 55 kmph. Bhopal will record a maximum temperature of 33°C and a minimum of 26°C.
