Heatwave Subsides Across India, Orange Alert for Rain & Hailstorms in These States | Weather Updates

Heatwave conditions in India ended on Wednesday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) announced, adding the temperatures will now decrease, and cloudy weather is expected.

An Orange Alert has been issued for hailstorms, storms, and rain in several regions, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chandigarh, said IMD scientist RK Jenamani. “There is a possibility of heavy rains in the hilly areas for the next 2-3 days. There are chances of storms in East India as well,” he told ANI.

According to Dr HR Biswas, Director of IMD Bhubaneswar, certain districts in the state can expect the continuation of thunderstorm activity accompanied by rainfall for the next 24 hours. Furthermore, there is a possibility of a slight increase in thunderstorm activity on May 27, attributed to a minor drop in temperature, he told the news agency.

IMD’s forecast and warning for India over the next 5 days:

Northwest India

• Light to moderate rainfall is expected at most places in Northwest India, including the Western Himalayan Region and the plains of Northwest India, with thunderstorms, lightning, and occasional gusty winds/squalls. The highest intensity of rainfall is anticipated on May 24 and 25
• Thundersqualls/gusty wind speeds of 50-60 kmph are likely to occur at isolated places in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and north Rajasthan on May 24 and 25.
• Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and northeast Rajasthan on May 24, while moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and West Uttar Pradesh on May 25.
• Hailstorms are expected at isolated places in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, and north Rajasthan on May  24 and 25, with Himachal Pradesh experiencing hailstorms on May 24.
• Duststorms/thunderstorms with gusty winds (40-50 kmph) are likely to occur in Rajasthan from May 24 to 26.
• Strong surface winds with speeds of 25-35 kmph are expected over the plains of Northwest India on May 24 and 25.

Northeast India

• Light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, is very likely to continue over Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura for the next three days.
• Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram & Tripura from May 24 to 26.

East India

• Light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, is very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and isolated to scattered rainfall over the rest of the region for the next three days.
• Heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places in Bihar on May 24 and 25 and in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim from May 24 to 26.
• Hailstorms are expected at isolated places in Jharkhand on May 24 and 25, and in West Bengal and Sikkim on May 24.
• Thundersqualls/gusty wind speeds of 50-60 kmph are likely at isolated places over Gangetic West Bengal on May 24 and 25.

South India

• Light to moderate isolated to scattered rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, is very likely over most parts of South India for the next two days, except Kerala, where fairly widespread rainfall is expected during the next five days.
• Heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places in Kerala on May 24.

The IMD has also recommended taking appropriate actions to mitigate the potential impact of thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds, and hailstorms are expected to occur over Northwest India on the May 24 and 25.

Impact Expected:

• Strong winds and hail may cause damage to plantations, horticulture, and standing crops.
• Hailstones may pose a risk of injury to people and livestock in open areas.
• Vulnerable structures may experience partial damage due to strong winds.
• Kutcha houses, walls, and huts may sustain minor damage.
• Loose objects have the potential to become airborne, increasing the risk of accidents.

Action Suggested:

• It is advisable to stay indoors during thunderstorms, close windows, and doors to ensure safety.
• Seek safe shelters and avoid taking shelter under trees, as they can attract lightning strikes.
• Refrain from lying on concrete floors or leaning against concrete walls during the storm.
• Unplug electrical and electronic appliances to prevent damage from power surges.
• If you are near water bodies, immediately move away from them during thunderstorms.
• Maintain a safe distance from objects that conduct electricity, such as metal structures or power lines.