As the weather in India takes a dramatic turn, residents across various states are bracing for a series of thunderstorms and rainfall, providing much-needed relief from the oppressive heat that has gripped the region. On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued alerts for dust storms and rain in several areas including Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, signaling a significant change in weather patterns.
According to the IMD, the forecast predicts light to moderate rain accompanied by strong winds in the northern states. The alerts come as a result of western disturbances and cyclonic systems that are expected to bring relief from the scorching temperatures that have been prevalent in recent weeks. For instance, in Delhi-NCR, the maximum temperature is anticipated to hover around 34 degrees Celsius, a noticeable drop from the preceding days.
In Uttarakhand, Dr. Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Center in Dehradun, confirmed that multiple districts are under an orange alert for thunderstorms, rain, and lightning until May 8. Specific districts such as Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar are particularly at risk for heavy rainfall, with Uttarkashi facing a red alert on May 8 due to the potential for very heavy rainfall.
“We expect light to moderate rainfall across most places in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar,” Dr. Singh stated. “In these areas, winds may reach speeds of 40-50 km/h, and there’s a possibility of hailstorms.” The capital city of Dehradun is also expected to experience partly cloudy skies with rain showers, with maximum temperatures reaching around 30 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, the IMD has issued a yellow alert, predicting that strong winds could reach speeds of 40-50 km/h. The maximum temperature in these regions is expected to be around 37 degrees Celsius. In Rajasthan, the weather is expected to be mixed, with temperatures in the eastern parts soaring to 40-42 degrees Celsius, while the western regions will see a decrease in heatwave conditions.
In Uttar Pradesh, the IMD has reported that around 30 districts will experience thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall. Major cities such as Lucknow, Agra, and Kanpur are likely to see a drop in temperature due to this weather change. The maximum temperature in these areas is projected to reach around 39 degrees Celsius.
Bihar is also under scrutiny, with an orange alert issued for all 38 districts due to the forecast of strong winds, rain, and thunderstorms, especially in the Seemanchal regions where winds may gust up to 60 km/h. The IMD has indicated that light to moderate rain is likely in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, although heatwave conditions will persist in western Madhya Pradesh.
As for the eastern and northeastern states, there is a similar forecast of thunderstorms and rain. In Jharkhand, light rain is expected alongside strong winds, with temperatures ranging between 35-37 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in Odisha, Assam, and Sikkim, adverse weather conditions are anticipated, requiring residents to remain vigilant.
On the other hand, the western states of Maharashtra and Gujarat are also bracing for potential storms and rainfall. The IMD has issued yellow alerts for Mumbai and surrounding areas, predicting moderate rain and thunderstorms in the coming days. In Himachal Pradesh, the weather is expected to remain unsettled with warnings of hailstorms and snowfall in higher altitudes.
Dr. Naresh Kumar, a scientist at the IMD, elaborated on the ongoing weather patterns, stating, “Due to the influence of western disturbances, we can expect thunderstorms and light to moderate rain across northwest India. We are also anticipating heavy rainfall in the northern parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan over the next few days.”
In light of these weather changes, officials across various states are urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storms. The IMD has emphasized the importance of being prepared for sudden weather shifts and has advised people to stay indoors during severe weather conditions.
Overall, the weather forecast indicates a significant shift from the relentless heat experienced over the past weeks, with thunderstorms and rain expected to bring respite to many regions across India. As a result, citizens are encouraged to stay informed and heed weather advisories as the situation develops.
