IMD Issues Major Heatwave & Thunderstorm Alert Across Northwest India; Hailstorm Warning Till May 31

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a major weather warning for several states across Northwest India, predicting an intense mix of heatwave conditions, thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and hailstorm activity over the next few days.

According to the latest IMD weather forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre, New Delhi, states including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir are expected to see rapidly changing weather conditions between May 25 and May 31.

The weather department warned that while severe heatwave conditions will continue in many regions, thunderstorms and rain activity are also likely to increase toward the second half of the week.

Delhi, Haryana & Punjab Under Heatwave Alert

The IMD has issued a heatwave to severe heatwave warning for Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab for the next several days.

According to the forecast, isolated parts of Delhi and Haryana are likely to witness severe heatwave conditions between May 25 and May 27. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain extremely high, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

From May 28 onward, weather conditions may gradually shift as thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and gusty winds are expected to impact the region.

Punjab is also likely to experience heatwave conditions till May 27, after which thunderstorm activity accompanied by strong winds may provide temporary relief from extreme heat.

Uttar Pradesh Weather Forecast

Both East Uttar Pradesh and West Uttar Pradesh are expected to face intense heatwave conditions during the initial part of the week.

The IMD stated that East Uttar Pradesh may witness heatwave to severe heatwave conditions along with warm night conditions at isolated places till May 28.

From May 28 onward, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-70 kmph are likely across several districts. Hailstorm activity is also possible at isolated locations.

West Uttar Pradesh is also expected to experience heatwave conditions initially, followed by thunderstorms and gusty winds later in the week.

Rajasthan To Witness Heatwave & Dust Storm Conditions

Rajasthan continues to remain among the worst heat-affected regions in the country.

The IMD forecast shows that both East Rajasthan and West Rajasthan are likely to experience persistent heatwave conditions over the next few days.

West Rajasthan may witness severe heatwave conditions till May 29 along with thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph at isolated places.

East Rajasthan is also likely to see heatwave conditions accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning activity later in the week.

Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal & Uttarakhand Weather Update

Northern hill states are also expected to witness unstable weather conditions.

Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad are likely to receive thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds between May 25 and May 29. Hailstorm activity is also expected at isolated places.

Himachal Pradesh may witness heatwave conditions initially before thunderstorms and hailstorms impact several districts toward the end of the week.

Uttarakhand is expected to see a combination of heatwave conditions and thunderstorm activity during the forecast period.

Heatwave Safety Advisory

Authorities have urged citizens to take precautions amid the ongoing heatwave spell:

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
• Avoid direct sunlight during afternoon hours
• Wear light-coloured loose cotton clothes
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
• Keep homes ventilated and cool
• Monitor children, elderly people, and vulnerable individuals carefully