The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for large parts of the country over the next 16–24 hours, forecasting heavy rainfall, b winds and lightning across 17 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi. Wind speeds in several areas may reach 70–80 kmph, with eastern India expected to witness the highest impact.
According to the weather department, conditions may also change rapidly in hilly and coastal regions.
According to the latest IMD update, alerts have been issued for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is forecast in these regions.
Weather experts have advised people to avoid open areas, standing under trees and staying near electric poles.
The IMD said an upper air cyclonic circulation is active over northeastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. A similar system is also developing near coastal south Andhra Pradesh. According to the department, these systems are increasing moisture levels and cloud density, creating conditions for heavy rainfall and b winds.
In Delhi, the IMD has forecast light rainfall and b surface winds on May 19. The maximum temperature may reach 43°C, while the minimum temperature is expected to remain around 31°C. The department has also warned of dust storms and reduced visibility due to b winds.
Several districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Meerut, Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Mathura and Aligarh, may witness light rainfall and b winds, with wind speeds estimated at 30–40 kmph. Farmers have been advised to remain cautious to protect crops.
In Bihar, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have been forecast between May 19 and 20 in Gaya, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Muzaffarpur and Champaran regions.
In Jharkhand, wind speeds of 50–60 kmph are expected in several districts, including Ranchi, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Deoghar and Gumla. Rainfall and thunderstorm alerts have also been issued for Darjeeling, Malda, Nadia and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal.
Kolkata may record temperatures of up to 37°C. Assam, Tripura and other northeastern states also face the risk of heavy rainfall and lightning.
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may witness light to moderate rainfall accompanied by b winds. Wind speeds of 40–50 kmph are forecast in Shimla, Kullu and Kangra in Himachal Pradesh.
Higher altitude areas of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir may experience a drop in temperature and rainfall, according to the IMD.
Heatwave conditions are expected to continue across several parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Temperatures in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Bhopal may reach 42–43°C.
Severe heat is expected to persist in Punjab, although light relief may be seen after May 22. The IMD has advised farmers to secure crops and avoid open harvesting and storage. Fishermen have also been warned against venturing into the sea due to b winds in coastal areas.
