IMD issues rain and thunderstorm across Northwest India
New Delhi: Several parts of India experienced cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall on Sunday, bringing relief from soaring temperatures and keeping mercury levels below normal across many regions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued thunderstorm activity, gusty winds, and rainfall in several states, while also indicating the likely advancement of the southwest monsoon into parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu within the next three to four days.
Delhi Under Yellow Alert
The national capital witnessed a significant drop in temperature due to rain and thunderstorm activity triggered by an active western disturbance over Rajasthan and central Pakistan.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, forecasting generally cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms at isolated places. Wind speeds during thunderstorms could reach up to 90 kmph in some parts of northwest, central, and adjoining eastern India.
Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8°C, which was 4.2°C below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature is expected to settle around 25°C, while the maximum may touch 36°C on Monday. Meteorologists predict temperatures will gradually rise later in the week as the current spell of rain weakens and moves away from the region.
Heavy Rain Disrupts Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Yatra Temporarily Halted
Uttarakhand witnessed heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions on Sunday, causing disruptions in several districts. The Kedarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended after intense rainfall affected travel routes, leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded. The restrictions were later lifted as weather conditions improved.
A potential tragedy was averted in Champawat district, where more than 50 pilgrims attending the annual Jod Mela were rescued after becoming trapped by a swollen river near the Sri Reetha Sahib Gurdwara.
Temperatures across Uttarakhand remained significantly below normal. In Dehradun, the maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 26.6°C and 17.0°C, respectively, nine and five degrees below normal levels.
The IMD has issued a yellow watch warning for the state, cautioning residents about thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, and intense rainfall. High-altitude regions above 3,800 metres are also likely to receive snowfall.
Dust Storm Sweeps Through Rajasthan
A massive dust cloud was observed in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district, reducing visibility and intensifying wind conditions as it moved towards populated areas. Authorities reported no casualties or property damage.
Light to moderate rainfall was recorded in several parts of the state. Phalodi registered the highest maximum temperature at 42.6°C, while Sirohi recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 18.2°C.
Rainfall Keeps Temperatures Low in Himachal Pradesh
Several areas in Himachal Pradesh received light to moderate rainfall over the weekend. Naina Devi recorded the highest rainfall at 46.4 mm.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning were reported in Shimla, Jubberhatti, Sundernagar, Kangra, Jot, and Murari Devi. Kukumseri remained the coldest place in the state with a minimum temperature of 3.8°C, while Una recorded the highest maximum temperature at 33.4°C.
Cooler Conditions Across Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh
Following widespread rainfall, temperatures remained below normal across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow received 2.4 mm of rainfall, with the maximum temperature settling at 36.3°C, nearly 4°C below the seasonal average. The IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds at isolated locations across both western and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Jammu & Kashmir to Receive Fresh Spell of Rain
Most parts of Jammu & Kashmir experienced stable weather conditions on Sunday. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 28.4°C, approximately 2.4°C above normal.
The IMD has forecast isolated showers across the Union Territory over the next 72 hours, with a more widespread spell of rainfall expected on June 4.
Monsoon Likely to Advance Soon
The weather department has indicated favourable conditions for the advancement of the southwest monsoon into parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the next few days, marking the beginning of the monsoon season's next phase.
Residents in affected states have been advised to stay updated with official weather advisories and exercise caution during thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall.
