IMD issues orange alert in 18 states as heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds threaten several parts of India (Img: X)
New Delhi: India’s monsoon conditions have taken a dangerous turn as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 18 states, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds in the next few hours.
According to the weather department, gusty winds reaching up to 80-83 kmph are likely in several regions, which may disrupt normal life and cause damage to infrastructure, trees and power lines.
Weather experts said that an upper-air cyclonic circulation is active over northeastern Assam and lower levels of the atmosphere over Gujarat. This system has intensified weather activity across several parts of the country, affecting both hilly and plain regions.
Authorities have advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea and near overflowing rivers due to dangerous weather conditions.
The national capital is expected to witness strong winds and rainfall, with wind speeds likely to reach around 50 kmph. Several areas of Haryana, including Gurugram, Faridabad and Hisar, are also under alert for heavy rain and gusty winds.
Several districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Varanasi and Gorakhpur, may experience thunderstorms, heavy showers and winds reaching up to 80 kmph.
Bihar districts such as Patna, Purnia and Bhagalpur are expected to witness strong winds of around 70 kmph. Jharkhand, including Ranchi and Jamshedpur, faces risks of lightning strikes and heavy rainfall.
The IMD has issued special warnings for Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir due to the possibility of landslides, flash floods and rising river levels.
Tourist destinations including Bageshwar, Nainital, Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Srinagar and Reasi may experience heavy rainfall-related disruptions. Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable mountainous areas.
Weather conditions are expected to remain unstable in West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
While temperatures may remain high in some areas, including Jaipur, sudden thunderstorms and strong winds are likely. Kolkata and Bhopal may witness cloudy skies, thunder activity and moderate to heavy rainfall.
Authorities have advised people to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees or in open areas during lightning activity.
Residents have also been advised to unplug electrical appliances during storms and check local weather and traffic updates before travelling.
