The weather across India has become extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
While North and Central India are struggling with intense heat and severe heatwave conditions, many other parts of the country are witnessing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds due to the advancing monsoon.
In its latest weather bulletin for May 21, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a major double alert across the country.
Several states are expected to face severe thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 50 to 60 kmph, while Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab remain under red alert for extreme heatwave conditions.
At the same time, there is some good news as the southwest monsoon is moving quickly and is expected to reach the Kerala coast by May 26.
Storm and Thunderstorm Alert in Many States
According to the IMD, multiple cyclonic circulations and weather systems are currently active across the country.
Because of this, several states may experience dangerous storms and lightning today.
States likely to witness severe thunderstorms with winds of 50-60 kmph include:
Coastal Andhra Pradesh
Interior Karnataka
Jammu and Kashmir
Odisha
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim
In some places, wind speeds may even touch 70 kmph.
The weather department has warned people to stay alert during thunderstorms and avoid open areas during lightning activity.
Heavy Rain Alert in Northeast and Southern States
Monsoon activity has started increasing in many regions, leading to heavy rainfall warnings.
The IMD has issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert for Assam and Meghalaya today.
Heavy rain is also expected in:
Kerala and Mahe
Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal
South Interior Karnataka
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim
These areas may witness waterlogging and travel disruptions due to continuous rainfall.
Dust Storm and Lightning Warning Across Multiple States
Apart from heavy rain, many states are also expected to face dust storms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph.
The warning has been issued for:
Bihar
Jharkhand
Gangetic West Bengal
Arunachal Pradesh
Nagaland
Manipur
Mizoram
Tripura
Himachal Pradesh
Telangana
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
Konkan and Goa
Central Maharashtra
Lakshadweep
Coastal Karnataka may experience slightly lower wind speeds of 30 to 40 kmph.
Red Alert for Severe Heatwave in Delhi, UP and Punjab
While some states are dealing with storms and rain, North India continues to suffer under extreme heat.
The IMD has issued a red alert for severe heatwave conditions in:
Delhi
Punjab
Haryana
Chandigarh
Uttar Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Several areas in western and eastern Uttar Pradesh are expected to remain extremely hot throughout the day and night, giving people little relief even after sunset.
Heatwave conditions are also likely in parts of:
Rajasthan
Chhattisgarh
Bihar
Odisha
Telangana
Uttarakhand
Himachal Pradesh
Coastal Andhra Pradesh
Humidity levels in Odisha and West Bengal are expected to make conditions even more uncomfortable.
Fishermen Advised Not to Venture Into the Sea
The IMD has also issued a warning for rough sea conditions in both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Strong winds reaching 45 to 55 kmph are expected over parts of the Arabian Sea, while several regions near the Bay of Bengal may experience winds up to 60 kmph.
Fishermen have been strongly advised not to go into the sea until weather conditions improve.
With heatwaves on one side and storms on the other, weather conditions across India remain highly dangerous today.
Authorities have advised people to stay updated with local weather alerts and avoid unnecessary travel during extreme conditions.
