Intense Rainfall, Thunderstorms Expected as IMD Issues Orange Alert for Northwestern States

As the scorching summer heat persists, a significant shift in weather patterns is on the horizon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for a potent spell of thunderstorms, rain, and hailstorms over northwestern states, accompanied by an orange alert for the next two days.

According to the IMD, an active western disturbance is projected to traverse the northern region from May 23 to 26. This weather system is expected to gain momentum, drawing moisture from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, thereby intensifying the upcoming rain activity. Additionally, the IMD forecasts a notable decrease in daytime temperatures by four to six degrees Celsius over northwest India in the next three days.

The convergence of these meteorological factors sets the stage for a significant weather event that could bring relief from the scorching heat while posing potential challenges due to the expected intensity of rainfall, thunderstorms, and hailstorms. Residents and authorities in the affected northwestern states are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions in light of the impending weather conditions.

Over the next four days, rainfall is expected at many places over northwest India with thunderstorm, lightning and occasional gusty winds from the evening of May 23 to May 26, with maximum intensity on May 24 and 25.

Strong gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are likely over Uttarakhand, on 24th & 25th and over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi on 24th; and over West Uttar Pradesh on 25th May.

Heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh on 23rd & 24th May; Jammu Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Uttarakhand, Punjab, south Haryana on 24th May.

The forecast suggests a probability of hailstorm over Himachal Pradesh on 23rd & 24th; Uttarakhand during 23rd to 25th; over Punjab & Haryana on 24th and West Uttar Pradesh and north Rajasthan on 24th & 25th May.

Duststorm/Thunderstorm with gusty winds (40-50 kmph) is also likely over Rajasthan during 23rd-25th May, 2023.

The strong winds and hailstorm could damage vulnerable structures, as the weather department has urged local administration officials to prepare accordingly.