The southwest monsoon has entered an active phase (Img: X)
New Delhi: The southwest monsoon has entered an active phase, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to large parts of the country. Weather conditions are expected to remain unstable across northern, western, central and eastern India.
Forecasts suggest that thunderstorms may be accompanied by lightning, hail and gusty winds in some areas. Wind speeds will vary by region, and residents should follow district-level warnings rather than relying on a single nationwide estimate.
The weather alert covers Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
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Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast over parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and the northeastern region. Delhi-NCR is expected to witness cloudy conditions with intermittent showers and possible thunderstorms.
Several districts, including Lucknow, Meerut, Agra, Kanpur and Bareilly, may receive moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Lightning and strong gusts could affect outdoor activity and road travel.
Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Purnia and Bhagalpur are among the areas likely to experience rain and thunderstorms. Residents should avoid open spaces and shelter under sturdy structures during lightning.
The national capital and surrounding areas may witness intermittent rain, cloudy skies and thunderstorms. Gusty winds of around 40 kmph have been forecast in parts of Delhi-NCR and neighbouring regions.
Parts of Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Nagaur and Pali, may receive intense showers. Rain and thunderstorms are also expected in parts of Punjab, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Pathankot.
Heavy rainfall may affect Dehradun, Nainital, Rishikesh, Chamoli and Pithoragarh. Travellers should watch for landslides, falling rocks, waterlogging and sudden increases in river levels.
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Rain is forecast across Shimla, Manali, Kullu and Chamba. People travelling through vulnerable mountain roads should check traffic and weather advisories before starting their journey.
Rain and thunderstorms may affect Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag and Baramulla. Localised landslides and disruption on hilly routes cannot be ruled out during intense spells.
Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal may experience widespread rain, thunderstorms and lightning. Isolated hailstorms are also possible in favourable atmospheric conditions.
Mumbai and adjoining Maharashtra districts have recently witnessed intense rainfall, with warnings also highlighting strong gusts in some coastal areas.
People should remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid standing beneath trees or near electricity poles and stay away from overflowing drains and waterlogged underpasses. Farmers and outdoor workers should suspend activity when lightning warnings are issued.
Travellers should check the latest district-level IMD bulletin because short-duration forecasts and warning levels may change rapidly.
