IMD Warns of Thunderstorms, Lightning and Gusty Winds Across North India This Week

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather advisory warning of thunderstorms, lightning, moderate rainfall, and strong gusty winds across several parts of North India during the week, as changing atmospheric conditions trigger widespread pre-monsoon activity.

According to the IMD, states including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience unstable weather conditions over the next few days. The department has cautioned that thunderstorms may be accompanied by lightning strikes, dust storms, and wind speeds ranging between 40 to 60 kilometers per hour in isolated areas.

Officials said the weather system has developed due to the interaction of western disturbances with moisture-laden winds moving from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. This combination is expected to bring temporary relief from intense heatwave conditions that affected several northern states during recent weeks.

In Delhi-NCR, cloudy skies, scattered rainfall, and dust storms are likely to continue intermittently, leading to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures. Similar conditions are expected across Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, where farmers have also been advised to take precautions to protect crops and stored produce from sudden storms and hail.

The IMD warned that lightning activity could pose serious risks, especially in rural and open-field areas. Residents have been advised to avoid sheltering under trees, stay indoors during thunderstorms, and limit unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather.

Authorities in multiple states have placed disaster response teams and local administrations on alert to deal with possible disruptions caused by strong winds, fallen trees, power outages, and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Airlines and railway services are also monitoring weather developments closely due to the possibility of temporary delays.

Meteorologists noted that while the rainfall may ease heatwave intensity temporarily, temperatures are likely to rise again once the current weather system weakens. Experts say such erratic weather patterns are becoming increasingly common during the transition period between summer and monsoon seasons.

The IMD further stated that isolated hailstorm activity cannot be ruled out in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. Fishermen along coastal areas have also been advised to monitor weather updates as wind conditions over nearby seas may become rough.

The latest forecast comes amid growing concerns about extreme weather fluctuations across India, with several regions witnessing sudden changes between heatwaves, heavy rain, hailstorms, and dust storms within short periods.

Officials have urged citizens to stay updated through official IMD advisories and follow safety instructions issued by local administrations to minimize risks during severe weather conditions.