New Delhi, March 21 – As March winds down, large swathes of India are bracing for significant weather changes. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), multiple states are likely to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds over the next 24 hours. An orange alert has been issued in several regions, warning residents of severe weather disruptions.
Uttar Pradesh: Widespread Showers and Thunderstorms Continue
Rainfall has already begun in many parts of Uttar Pradesh, with districts like Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Jaunpur witnessing showers on Thursday. The IMD expects this trend to continue, forecasting rain and thunderstorms in both western and eastern UP regions through March 21–22.
Districts under alert today include:
- Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, and Varanasi.
- Thunderstorm and lightning warnings are also in effect for Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Kushinagar, Kanpur Nagar, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ambedkar Nagar, and Jalaun.
These weather changes have brought down the daytime temperature, offering relief from the unseasonal heat.
Delhi: Partly Cloudy with Breezy Conditions
In the National Capital, partly cloudy skies and warm conditions continue. Temperatures are hovering between 34–36°C, with northwesterly surface winds expected to reach up to 20 km/h by evening. No significant rainfall is forecasted in Delhi today, but isolated gusts of wind may cool off the region temporarily.
Rainfall Alerts Issued Across 10 States
The IMD has issued rain and storm alerts for 10 states, mostly in the eastern and central belt of India:
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Odisha
- Chhattisgarh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Telangana
- Vidarbha
- Uttar Pradesh
- Northeast States (including Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura)
- Arunachal Pradesh – where heavy rainfall and snowfall are expected, especially in higher altitudes.
Eastern & Northeastern India: Orange Alert Issued
Residents in Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh should remain on high alert today. Strong thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall are expected. The eastern Himalayan foothills and states like Arunachal Pradesh could also see moderate snowfall in addition to rain, especially in elevated regions.
Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Others to See Light Showers
Parts of Karnataka, Jharkhand, and North Chhattisgarh may receive light to moderate rainfall, though no severe alerts have been issued for these states as of now.
Safety Advisory
The IMD has advised people in affected areas to:
- Avoid travel during thunderstorms.
- Stay away from trees and open fields during lightning.
- Secure loose items around homes.
- Follow updates from official weather bulletins.
As unpredictable weather patterns intensify due to transitional climate phases, citizens across India are urged to remain vigilant.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
