Monsoon Forecast: IMD Issues Extreme Rain and Hailstorm Alert in These 12 States Over Next 12 Hours

New Delhi, March 22 – As summer begins to tighten its grip on northern India, a fresh weather alert has been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), warning of extreme rainfall, hailstorms, and thunderstorms across several states. The forecast spans the next 12 to 24 hours, affecting both plains and hilly regions, with some parts expected to see intense weather activity, including lightning and gusty winds.

Rising Temperatures in North India Amid Weather Volatility

While temperatures continue to surge across the plains of North India, particularly in Delhi-NCR, the weather remains erratic due to western disturbances. Snowfall is still ongoing in the upper reaches of the Himalayas, while plains such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand are witnessing unexpected weather shifts, including sporadic rainfall and hail events.

In Delhi, rising heat has already forced residents to switch on fans and air conditioners. The maximum temperature is projected to touch 38°C by early next week, with day and night temperatures gradually rising. Dry weather conditions are likely to persist in the capital through March 26, keeping the atmosphere uncomfortably warm and humid.

Heavy Rain, Hailstorms Expected in These States

According to the latest bulletin from the IMD, light to moderate rainfall with hailstorms is highly likely in the following regions over the next 12 hours:

States Under Alert:

• Uttar Pradesh (Eastern districts)

• Eastern Madhya Pradesh

• Chhattisgarh

• Vidarbha region of Maharashtra

• Jharkhand

• Odisha

• Bihar

• Sub-Himalayan and Gangetic West Bengal

• Arunachal Pradesh

• Assam

• Meghalaya

• Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura (Northeast)

In eastern Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, hailstorms accompanied by thunderstorms and isolated rainfall are forecast to develop by late evening today. Similarly, Odisha and Vidarbha may see wind gusts and intense showers, potentially affecting rural areas and disrupting agricultural activity.

For West Bengal and Bihar, the IMD has issued an alert for hailstorms and thunderstorms, particularly in the sub-Himalayan belt and Gangetic plains.

Severe Weather in the Northeast: Snow, Rain and Thunderstorms

The IMD has flagged Arunachal Pradesh for extreme weather conditions between March 21 and 23, forecasting:

• Heavy to very heavy rain

• Snowfall in higher altitudes

• Thunderstorms with lightning

Additionally, neighboring northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura—will likely experience moderate to heavy rain over the next four to five days, coupled with occasional thunder and lightning.

UP Braces for Thunderstorms and Lightning Today

Eastern Uttar Pradesh is under immediate alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and light rain. The affected districts include:

• Kaushambi, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi

• Sant Ravidas Nagar, Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Kushinagar

• Mahoba, Jhansi, Lalitpur

The IMD has cautioned residents to stay indoors during the storm window and avoid open areas. Power disruptions, minor damage to property, and slippery roads are possible in vulnerable regions.

No Heatwaves Yet, But Summer Is Knocking

Despite the sporadic rainfall and storms, most parts of western and southern India have begun heating up. While there’s no immediate heatwave warning, temperatures are steadily climbing, especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana, setting the stage for a long and intense summer season.

Meteorologists emphasize that while the monsoon remains weeks away, these early weather disturbances are a result of transitioning seasonal patterns, where western disturbances, moisture influx, and rising solar intensity combine to create localized storms and sudden downpours.

Public Safety Advisory

In light of today’s forecast, the Meteorological Department has urged residents of affected regions to:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms and hailstorms

• Unplug electrical appliances during lightning strikes

• Avoid travel to hilly regions prone to landslides and flash floods

• Secure loose outdoor items in case of gusty winds

• Farmers are advised to cover crops or delay harvesting, especially in regions under hailstorm alerts