Will Storms Cancel Your Weekend Plans? IMD Issues 85 km/h Wind and Rain Alerts for 15 States — Full List
Weekend travel and outdoor activities in various regions of India could see significant disruption, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued new warnings for possible thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, lightning, hail, and highly gusty winds that could reach speeds of 85 km/h (52 mph).
Unstable weather patterns are being exacerbated by the presence of strong pre-monsoon activity, western disturbances, and moisture being transported from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. According to meteorologists, multiple areas are likely to experience sudden dust storms, downed trees, power outages, or delays to transportation over the next two days.
Why the Weather Is Turning Severe
At this time, there is a lot of instability in the atmosphere over northern and central India due to extreme daytime heating and incoming moisture systems that are creating unstable atmospheric conditions.
Hot air at the surface creates conditions that when mixed with cooler winds at altitude, provide potential for extremely severe thunderstorms or thundersqualls to occur. There is also the potential for many areas to see short-duration strong thunderstorms with damaging winds.
States Under IMD Wind and Rain Alert
For the weekend, forecasters have projected thunderstorms, rain, lightning, hail, and very strong winds for the following states:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Delhi
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
- Punjab
- Madhya Pradesh
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- West Bengal
- Odisha
- Chhattisgarh
- Maharashtra
- Telangana
- Karnataka
- Kerala
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What Could Be Affected This Weekend?
Strong winds and thunderstorms may impact:
- Road and highway travel
- Flight schedules in some cities
- Train movement in storm-hit areas
- Outdoor events and gatherings
- Power supply due to falling trees and electric poles
- Local flooding in low-lying urban areas
Safety Advisory for Residents
People are advised to:
- Stay indoors during lightning activity
- Avoid parking vehicles under trees
- Disconnect sensitive electronics during severe thunderstorms
- Avoid open fields and rooftops
- Monitor local IMD advisories regularly
Final Words
There are now many areas that will see some relief from the heat over the next few weeks; however, with sustained winds of 85 km/h, lightning, hailstorms, and heavy rain, they also pose a threat to life on the roads and in the outdoors. Weather experts are encouraging people to remain vigilant, follow all official alerts, and prepare for rapid changes in the weather on Saturday and Sunday.
FAQs
Why did the IMD issue these alerts?
There are powerful pre-monsoon systems creating a possibility of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and damaging winds.
What regions are at the highest risk for thunderstorms?
Thunderstorms could occur in northern, central, eastern, and southern states, but not all thunderstorms will be severe.
Will my flights or trains be delayed?
Possibly. Severe weather could affect your travel plans this weekend in certain areas.
Will thunderstorms help to lower the temperature?
Some thunderstorms will reduce the intensity of the heat index of several states by providing rain and cloud cover.
