IMD Alert: Thunderstorms, Rain, & Gusty Winds Sweep India
IMD forecasts widespread weather disturbances across India in the coming days.
Top Summary
- What happened: The IMD issued a nationwide weather alert, predicting thunderstorms, rainfall, lightning, and strong winds.
- Why it matters: The severe weather poses risks to life and property, potentially disrupting daily activities and agriculture.
- What changes: Residents in affected areas should prepare for heavy rain, hailstorms, and power outages. An 'Orange Alert' has been issued for some regions.
- Who is affected: Eastern, Central, and Northeastern India are particularly vulnerable, but Northwest and Southern regions will also experience weather changes.
Nationwide Weather Alert Issued
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a nationwide weather alert, forecasting widespread thunderstorms, rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds across multiple regions. The alert highlights intensified weather activity in eastern, central, and northeastern India.
Residents should be prepared for heavy rain, thundersqualls, and possible hailstorms.
Regional Weather Breakdown
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are expected to receive widespread rainfall from March 21 to 24, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain on March 21. Gangetic West Bengal may experience thundersqualls with winds up to 80 kmph.
Odisha could see gusty winds reaching 70 kmph, along with potential hailstorms.
Northeast and Central India Forecast
Northeast India, including Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, anticipates fairly widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh face isolated heavy rainfall on March 24.
East and Central India, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, are likely to experience scattered rainfall and strong winds.
Northwest and Southern India Outlook
Northwest India is bracing for a fresh wet spell, with light to moderate rain and snowfall predicted over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on March 23. East Uttar Pradesh may also see fairly widespread rainfall and gusty winds up to 40 kmph.
Southern states and parts of Maharashtra are likely to witness scattered rainfall. Hot and humid conditions will persist over Kerala, coastal Karnataka, and Goa.
Expert Insights and Warnings
IMD Scientist Akhil Shrivastava stated that a large-scale thunderstorm activity is being witnessed across India. He noted that Delhi experienced rainfall and a drop in temperatures.
"An 'Orange Alert' had been issued for regions including eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of West Bengal due to expected thunderstorms, gusty winds, and possible hailstorms."
Shrivastava cautioned that wind speeds in eastern India may reach 60 to 70 kmph, posing potential risks.
What to Watch Next
The IMD will continue monitoring the weather systems and providing updates. Stay tuned for further advisories and safety guidelines as the weather patterns evolve and potentially intensify in the coming days.