IMD Issues Rain and Thunderstorm Alert Across 17 States Till March 31

A fresh spell of unstable weather is set to impact several parts of India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of rain, thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across multiple states until March 31. The changing weather pattern could disrupt daily life, particularly in northern and central regions, where wind speeds may reach up to 80 kmph in isolated areas.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, as the conditions may affect transportation, power supply and outdoor activities.

Rain Alert for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Uttar Pradesh is expected to experience widespread rainfall over the next two days, covering central, western and eastern regions. Cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, Hardoi, Kannauj and Shahjahanpur are likely to receive showers.

Heavier rainfall is forecast in parts of Bundelkhand and western Uttar Pradesh, including Jhansi, Lalitpur, Sitapur, Mainpuri and Aligarh. Thunderstorms may accompany the rain in some districts, increasing the risk of traffic disruptions and waterlogging.

Bihar is also likely to witness significant weather activity. Patna and nearby districts may receive moderate to heavy rainfall, while areas such as Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Madhubani and Purnia could see thunderstorms and lightning, posing risks in open areas.

Hill States Brace for Rain, Snow and Strong Winds

In the Himalayan region, conditions are expected to remain volatile. Uttarakhand is under alert for heavy rain, thunder and lightning in districts such as Dehradun, Nainital, Chamoli and Pithoragarh. Wind speeds may reach up to 60 kmph, raising concerns about falling trees, road blockages and power outages.

Himachal Pradesh is also likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall in districts including Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra and Mandi. Strong winds and possible snowfall in higher altitudes may impact travel, especially along tourist routes.

Thunderstorm Watch in Punjab and Haryana

Punjab is expected to witness thunderstorms and gusty winds, particularly in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Pathankot. These conditions may affect visibility and road safety, with lightning risks prompting advisories to avoid open areas.

In Haryana, moderate rainfall is forecast in cities such as Gurugram, Ambala, Sonipat, Panipat and Hisar. Wind speeds may reach around 30 kmph, which could still disrupt light structures and roadside installations.

Central and Western Regions Also Affected

Weather activity is likely to extend into parts of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh between March 30 and April 2. These regions may experience thunderstorms, lightning and intermittent rainfall, with some areas receiving light to moderate showers over several days.