New Delhi | May 20, 2025 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a storm and rain alert across 11 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, as unstable weather patterns sweep the country. Heavy rainfall warnings are in place for 13 states, while heatwave conditions continue in parts of Rajasthan and Haryana.
Maharashtra and Jharkhand: Lightning Strikes Claim 7 Lives
Severe weather conditions turned fatal as 2 people were killed by lightning in Maharashtra and 5 in Jharkhand, bringing the total death toll due to electrical storms to 7 in the past 24 hours.
Rajasthan: Heatwave in the West, Rain in the South
While Bikaner and Churu sizzled above 45°C, parts of southern Rajasthan like Udaipur saw sudden rain and gusty winds. In Udaipur, a boat capsized in Lake Fatehsagar due to stormy weather, though all passengers were rescued safely.
The IMD has warned of a continuing heatwave in western Rajasthan, with dust storms and scorching winds likely in districts like Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner.
Banda, UP: Hottest Place in India
In the north, Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded a blazing 46.6°C, making it the hottest location in the country on Tuesday. Similarly, Khajuraho in MP touched 46°C, highlighting the intensity of the pre-monsoon heat.
Karnataka, Kerala, Goa on Red Alert for Rain
In the south, Karnataka is under red alert, with coastal districts expected to receive torrential rain and gusty winds. Continuous rain over the past two days has already led to waterlogging in several cities. Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu are also bracing for further rainfall and strong winds ranging between 40–50 km/h.
Monsoon Advancing: IMD Confirms Progress Over Bay of Bengal
According to the IMD, the southwest monsoon has advanced further into the central and northeastern Bay of Bengal and is expected to bring more rain to eastern and southern India over the next 2–3 days. Light to moderate thunderstorms are also likely in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
Weather Forecast for the Next 2 Days
📍May 21 Highlights:
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Heavy Rainfall: Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Kerala, West Bengal, Sikkim
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Thunderstorm & Rain Alert: Chhattisgarh, MP, UP, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Goa
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Heatwave Alert: Western Rajasthan
📍May 22 Highlights:
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Orange Alert: Maharashtra (for heavy rain)
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Rain Forecast in 23 States: Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Marathwada, Konkan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Arunachal Pradesh, and others
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Heatwave & Dust Storms: Rajasthan
IMD Advisory to Citizens:
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Avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours in heatwave zones
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Stay indoors during thunderstorms and hailstorms
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Farmers in hail-prone regions should safeguard crops and livestock
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Travelers should expect delays or disruptions in areas under red or orange alerts
Stay updated with real-time weather alerts and district-wise forecasts through the official IMD website and state disaster response authorities.
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.
