New Delhi, May 19 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across 14 states on Monday, warning residents of volatile weather conditions through May 21. Meanwhile, intense heat continues to scorch western Rajasthan, prompting an orange alert for the next four days, while hailstorm alerts have been issued for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Six Dead in Bihar Due to Storm-Related Incidents
Bihar bore the brunt of Sunday’s turbulent weather as six people lost their lives—five struck by lightning and one woman crushed under a fallen tree. Four others sustained injuries. The IMD has maintained its forecast for severe weather across the state, including possible lightning strikes and strong winds.
Rajasthan Sizzles Under Scorching Heat
Temperatures in Rajasthan spiked to alarming levels on Sunday, with Jaipur registering higher temperatures than traditionally hotter regions such as Jodhpur, Barmer, and Jaisalmer. The IMD has issued an orange alert across the state for extreme heat conditions expected to last till May 23. Dust storms and hot, dry winds are expected to intensify the discomfort.
Rainfall Triggers Waterlogging in Southern Cities
Bengaluru witnessed heavy downpours on Sunday, resulting in significant waterlogging on roads and residential areas. The downpour disrupted traffic and raised concerns over urban drainage infrastructure. Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli and surrounding districts also saw sudden weather changes, with rainstorms cooling the intense summer heat.
Northern Hill States Brace for Hailstorms
Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds on Monday morning. Both Himachal and Uttarakhand have been placed under orange and yellow alerts, with potential hailstorms and thunderstorms anticipated. The IMD warns of storm activity reaching wind speeds of 40–60 km/h, which could lead to falling trees and local disruptions.
Monsoon Advances in Southern and Eastern Regions
The Southwest Monsoon continues its advance, now covering regions such as the southern Arabian Sea, Maldives, Comorin area, South Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands, and parts of the east-central Bay of Bengal. Meteorologists predict favorable conditions for further monsoon progression in the next 3–4 days, offering relief from heat in southern and eastern India.
Forecast for May 20 and 21
May 20: Heavy rains expected in Assam, Meghalaya, Karnataka, Bihar, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Thunderstorms and high winds are likely in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist in western Rajasthan.
May 21: Intense rainfall predicted in Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Kerala, West Bengal, and Sikkim. Thunderstorms may affect Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The western Rajasthan region remains under heatwave threat.
Precautionary Measures Advised
Authorities have urged residents in affected regions to take appropriate precautions, especially in lightning-prone and heatwave-affected zones. Farmers, outdoor workers, and residents are advised to avoid exposure during peak afternoon hours and secure loose structures in high-wind areas.
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.
