IMD Issues Dual Alert: Thunderstorms Sweep Delhi-NCR While Heatwave Grips West Rajasthan

The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, rainfall, and gusty winds across several parts of northwest India, including Delhi-NCR, over the coming days. According to the IMD, isolated to scattered light and moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of 30 to 50 kmph is expected over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, East Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The department said the unstable weather conditions are linked to an active western disturbance affecting northern parts of the country.

The IMD stated that the current weather pattern is being influenced by a western disturbance stretching across north India along with multiple upper-air cyclonic circulations over southwest Rajasthan, northeast Uttar Pradesh, central Assam, north Telangana, and the Gulf of Mannar. Meteorologists expect these systems to trigger widespread thunderstorm activity and intermittent rainfall across several states during the next few days. A fresh western disturbance is also expected to affect the western Himalayan region beginning May 10, likely extending the wet spell further into northern India.

Under the latest forecast, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are likely to witness another round of rainfall and thunderstorms between May 10 and May 12. During this period, gusty winds may intensify to speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, with isolated areas potentially experiencing wind gusts up to 60 kmph. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during outdoor movement, particularly during periods of lightning activity and strong winds that may disrupt traffic and local infrastructure.

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Alongside the rainfall forecast, the IMD has also warned of a gradual increase in temperatures across northwest and central India. Maximum temperatures in northwest India are expected to rise by 5 to 7 degrees Celsius by May 10, while central India may witness a temperature increase of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius over the next few days. Heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in isolated pockets of West Rajasthan between May 9 and 11. The weather office has additionally forecast hot and humid conditions over Konkan and Goa till May 9 and coastal Gujarat between May 9 and 12.

In northeast India, states including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are expected to receive scattered to widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya on May 7 and 8. Eastern states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim are also likely to witness thunderstorm activity through the week, while Gangetic West Bengal may experience thundersqualls with wind speeds reaching up to 70 kmph on May 9.

Southern and central parts of India are also expected to witness unstable weather conditions. The IMD said Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and Lakshadweep are likely to experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over the next five days. Madhya Pradesh is also forecast to receive isolated rainfall with thunderstorms and strong winds. The latest advisory highlights the broad impact of pre-monsoon weather systems currently affecting multiple regions across India as authorities continue monitoring changing atmospheric conditions closely.

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