The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues widespread storm and rainfall warnings across India, highlighting Odisha and northern hill states under significant weather threats.
IMD Issues All-India Weather Advisory as Storms Intensify
New Delhi, May 5 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather alert covering large parts of the country, forecasting thunderstorms, heavy rain, hailstorms, and lightning until May 8. The alert spans Delhi-NCR, parts of central and eastern India, and several hill states, with Odisha singled out for severe rainfall today.
Meteorologist Dr. Sanjeev Dwivedi confirmed the intense weather activity is expected to impact various districts of Odisha including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Gajapati, where hailstorms and intense rain may occur. These areas remain under a high-risk weather watch for the next 24–48 hours.
According to the IMD, this spell of inclement weather is being caused by an active western disturbance located over northern Pakistan and extending into Punjab and northwest Rajasthan, which is driving adverse conditions across the plains and hilly states.
High-Speed Winds, Hailstorms, and Cloudbursts Reported
In the last 24 hours, various regions have experienced extreme weather events:
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Wind speeds reached 70–100 km/h in parts of eastern Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand, accompanied by dust storms in isolated areas.
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Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and western Uttar Pradesh witnessed winds ranging from 40–70 km/h.
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Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district was struck by a cloudburst near Cheli village in the Dondra Nala region, tragically resulting in the death of an elderly person.
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Hailstorms were reported in Uttarakhand, western Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh, with heavy rainfall recorded in Odisha and Meghalaya.
The IMD reported a significant drop in daytime temperatures across several states due to the rain and storm activity, providing temporary relief from prevailing heat conditions.
States on High Alert: Odisha, Himachal, and More
The forecast suggests a continuation of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds over the following regions through May 8, with potential rainfall intensity declining slightly from May 7 onwards:
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Odisha remains under a heavy rainfall alert with the possibility of hail.
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West Bengal’s Gangetic regions, along with eastern and central India, will also continue to experience moderate to heavy rainfall.
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Himachal Pradesh is under an Orange Alert, especially vulnerable to hailstorms and localised flooding.
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Uttarakhand’s disaster management authority has advised all district collectors to remain on high alert.
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Precautionary measures are being taken in schools, and authorities have restricted tourist access to high-altitude Himalayan regions.
Meanwhile, the IMD predicts light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh until May 10. Scattered rainfall is also expected in Rajasthan, driven by the sustained influence of the western disturbance.
Multiple Weather Systems Interacting Across India
The current weather systems are the result of complex atmospheric interactions:
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A western disturbance is active over northern Pakistan, extending its influence into northern India.
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Converging moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are fuelling thunderstorm and rainfall activity across the eastern coast and parts of the northeast.
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Convective clouds have formed across Odisha, Jharkhand, Bengal, and parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, raising the risk of lightning and strong winds.
States affected by thunderstorms and gusty winds include:
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Eastern India: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha
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Northeast India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura
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Southern India: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh
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Central and Western India: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat
Hilly states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir are expected to see a mix of rain, hailstorms, and fresh snowfall on upper reaches, especially in areas like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
Authorities Urge Caution Amid Escalating Weather Risks
The IMD and state governments have issued safety advisories urging residents to remain indoors during severe weather conditions and to avoid travel through storm-prone areas. Farmers have been advised to take protective measures for standing crops due to the risk of hail damage, while civil administrations are coordinating with disaster response teams.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reportedly been placed on standby in several vulnerable states, including Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
With high-speed winds capable of damaging infrastructure and uprooting trees, city municipalities have also begun preparations by pruning weak branches, cleaning drains, and mobilizing emergency crews.
Conclusion
India is currently facing a widespread and complex weather situation with multiple states under alert for rain, hailstorms, lightning, and strong winds. Odisha, in particular, is bracing for heavy rainfall today, while northern hill states remain at risk of flash floods and cloudbursts. The IMD continues to monitor evolving conditions and has advised caution across regions till May 10, after which a gradual decline in weather severity is expected.
As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent, timely alerts, preparedness, and public cooperation remain key to minimizing damage and ensuring safety.
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.
