IMD Issues Widespread Thunderstorm, Heavy Rain and Hailstorm Alert Across India for Next 5–7 Days

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather warning, forecasting fairly widespread to widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusty winds across large parts of the country during the next few days.

According to the latest bulletin, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim and Northeast India are likely to experience fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40-60 kmph) along with heavy rainfall spells between May 3rd and 5th.

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds (40-60 kmph), and hailstorms are expected over Northwest, Central, and East India during the same period. In South Peninsular India, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, South Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Mahe, isolated to scattered thunderstorms with gusty winds and isolated heavy rainfall are likely during the week.

Recent Weather Activity (Past 24 Hours)

In the last 24 hours (ending 0830 hrs IST on May 3, 2026), several regions experienced intense weather. Heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm was recorded at isolated places over Assam, Manipur, and Tripura. Notably, Tamenglong in Manipur recorded an extremely high 91 cm of rainfall.

Thunderstorms with squally/gusty winds swept across many states. Wind speeds reached 50-90 kmph at isolated places in Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Gangetic West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Hailstorms were reported in Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, while dust storms occurred in Rajasthan and West Uttar Pradesh.

Temperature Trends

Daytime temperatures remained high in several parts of the country. Maximum temperatures ranged between 39–43°C over Vidarbha, Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of West Rajasthan. The highest temperature of 44.4°C was recorded at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Maximum temperatures were above normal over Jammu & Kashmir, West Rajasthan, Telangana, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala. Night temperatures were appreciably above normal over Saurashtra & Kutch and above normal in parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Vidarbha, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

Weather Systems Responsible

The current weather is being influenced by:

• A Western Disturbance as a cyclonic circulation over North Pakistan and neighbourhood.
• An upper air cyclonic circulation over Haryana and Southeast Rajasthan.
• Multiple troughs and cyclonic circulations over East Madhya Pradesh, Central Assam, and a north-south trough extending from South Chhattisgarh to the Comorin area.

Region-wise Forecast & Warnings

Northwest India: Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall/snowfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds is likely over Jammu & Kashmir (3rd–5th May), Himachal Pradesh (3rd–7th), and Uttarakhand (3rd–8th). Thundersqualls (50-70 kmph) are expected over Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on 4th–5th May. Isolated hailstorms and dust storms are also likely.

Northeast India: Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds is forecast over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya, and other northeastern states. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely during 3rd–5th May.

East India: Widespread rainfall activity with thundersqualls is expected over West Bengal & Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim and Gangetic West Bengal.

Central & South India: Thunderstorms, gusty winds, and isolated heavy rainfall are expected across Central India and South Peninsular India, with thundersqualls likely over Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Delhi/NCR Outlook (3rd–6th May)

• May 3: Partly to generally cloudy with thunderstorm, lightning, and strong winds (30-50 kmph) in the evening. Max temp: 37–39°C.
• May 4: Generally cloudy with two spells of rain and very strong winds (up to 70 kmph gusting).
• May 5: Spells of rain with strong winds; maximum temperature likely to drop to 32–34°C (appreciably below normal).
• May 6: Possibility of thundery development.

Impacts & Advisories

Strong winds, hailstorms, and heavy rain may cause:

• Uprooting of trees, damage to crops, power lines, and weak structures.
• Localized flooding, waterlogging in urban areas, and landslides in hilly regions.
• Injury to people and livestock from hail.

IMD Advisories:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees.
• Unplug electrical appliances and avoid water bodies.
• Farmers should provide support to crops, use hail nets where possible, and ensure proper drainage.
• Fishermen have been advised not to venture into parts of the Bay of Bengal on specific dates.

The IMD has urged people, especially in urban, hilly, and vulnerable areas, to stay updated through official channels and take necessary precautions. As the lead period increases, forecast accuracy may decrease.

For latest updates, refer to the official IMD website: mausam.imd.gov.in.