The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning of continued turbulent weather across large parts of India until May 6, 2025. The ongoing weather activity is expected to bring widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and gusty winds, primarily impacting the northwestern, eastern, and central regions of the country.
The IMD stated that the current spell of inclement weather—already affecting areas including Delhi-NCR—will persist due to the interaction of several meteorological systems. These include multiple upper air cyclonic circulations and western disturbances (WDs), leading to instability and moisture incursion from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
“There is large-scale thunderstorm activity over northwest India, driven by a western disturbance and significant heating over the past week, which is a precondition for such events,” said IMD Director General M Mohapatra. “The system is expected to move eastwards, sustaining thunderstorm activity in northeast and eastern India over the next five days.”
Regional Forecast and Alerts
Under the influence of these dynamic weather systems, the IMD has issued the following region-specific forecasts:
- East and Central India (Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh):
Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph) till May 5. - Northwest India (Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand):
Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds (40-60 kmph) till May 6.
Isolated hailstorms are likely in Himachal Pradesh on May 3. Thundersqualls (wind speeds 50-60 kmph) are expected across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand on May 4. - Northern Plains (Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan):
Isolated to scattered rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning, and strong winds (40-60 kmph).
Thundersqualls with gusts up to 70 kmph are forecast for Rajasthan on May 4, and for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh between May 4 and 5. Dust storms may occur in parts of Rajasthan through May 5.
Alert Levels
A Yellow Alert has been issued for most of northwest India for May 3 and 4, advising residents to stay cautious. An Orange Alert, signaling preparedness for possible weather-related disruptions, is in effect for parts of east and central India.
While this turbulent spell is expected to bring relief from the scorching May heat, the IMD cautions that it could also cause localized damage to infrastructure, crops, and pose risks to life due to falling trees, flying debris, or lightning strikes.
Citizens are advised to stay updated with local forecasts and follow safety advisories issued by authorities.
Sources By Agencies
