Monsoon Update: Thunderstorm And Rain Warning Across 17 States Till March 31, IMD Issues Fresh Alert

A fresh turn in weather conditions is expected to affect several parts of India over the next few days, with the India Meteorological Department warning of rain, thunderstorms, hail activity and gusty winds across multiple states. The changing pattern could lead to widespread disruption, particularly in northern and central regions where strong winds may reach as high as 80 kmph in isolated pockets. Civic agencies and residents alike are being advised to remain alert as the system may impact transport, electricity lines and normal outdoor movement.

Rain Alert Intensifies Across Uttar Pradesh And Bihar

Uttar Pradesh is likely to witness an active wet spell over the next two days, with rain forecast in districts spanning central, western and eastern belts. Cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Hardoi, Kannauj and Shahjahanpur are among the areas expected to receive showers.

Heavier rainfall is also likely in parts of Bundelkhand and western UP, including Jhansi, Lalitpur, Sitapur, Mainpuri and Aligarh. In a few districts, thunderstorms may accompany the rain, increasing the risk of temporary traffic snarls and localised waterlogging.

Neighbouring Bihar is also under close watch, with Patna and surrounding districts expected to receive significant rainfall. Several northern and central districts, including Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Madhubani and Purnia, may experience thunderstorms along with moderate to heavy showers. The forecast suggests that lightning activity may remain a concern in open areas.

Hill States Face Rain, Snow And Strong Wind Concerns

The impact is likely to be more pronounced in the Himalayan region, where unstable conditions continue to persist. Uttarakhand remains under alert for heavy rain, thunder and lightning in districts such as Dehradun, Nainital, Chamoli and Pithoragarh. Wind speeds in some pockets may touch 60 kmph, which raises the possibility of fallen branches, blocked roads and temporary power interruptions.

In Himachal Pradesh, districts including Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra and Mandi are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall. Squally winds may further intensify the situation, especially in higher reaches where snowfall has already kept temperatures unusually low for the season. Tourist and hill travel routes may face weather-related delays.

Punjab, Haryana And Plains Regions On Thunderstorm Watch

Punjab is also expected to witness a sharp change in weather, particularly in districts such as Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Pathankot. Thunderstorms and squally winds may affect visibility and road conditions, while lightning risk has prompted advisories for people to avoid open fields during storm hours.

Across Haryana, moderate rainfall is likely in urban and semi-urban centres including Gurugram, Ambala, Sonipat, Panipat and Hisar. Wind speeds may rise to around 30 kmph, which could still be enough to disturb light structures, signage and roadside trees in vulnerable stretches.

Wider Impact Across Central And Western India

Beyond the northern belt, weather activity is also expected to spread into Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh. These regions may see thunderstorms, lightning and intermittent rainfall from 30 March to 2 April, with some places receiving light to moderate showers for an extended period.

Parts of Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Jammu & Kashmir are also likely to receive rain during the same phase. Western Rajasthan, in particular, may see an unusual spell of rainfall for this time of year, while Uttarakhand and adjoining areas continue to remain under close monitoring.

The latest forecast points to a broad and active weather disturbance that may influence daily life across several states. With risks ranging from uprooted trees and damaged power lines to slippery roads and reduced visibility, precaution remains the key message. Residents are advised to follow local weather bulletins, limit unnecessary travel during storm periods and stay indoors when lightning activity intensifies.

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