IMD Issues Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, and 60 km/h Winds to Lash Multiple States

New Delhi, March 22 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high-impact weather warning for several regions across the country, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and winds gusting up to 60 km/h in the next 24 to 48 hours.

The weather alert affects a large swathe of central, eastern, northeastern, and southern India, with northern and northwestern regions expected to see a gradual rise in temperatures over the coming days.

Heavy Rain and Hailstorms Reported in Last 24 Hours

According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, the past 24 hours witnessed intense rainfall and hail activity in several states, including:

• Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala experienced heavy to very heavy rain

• Vidarbha, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana reported widespread hailstorms

This unseasonal weather event has already impacted agricultural activity and disrupted local transport in some affected areas.

High-Impact Weather Forecast: March 22–23

Regions Under Alert:

March 22

• East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Kerala strong winds (40–60 km/h) and thunderstorm activity

• Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Interior Karnataka heavy rain, lightning, and thunderstorms

• Jharkhand, Odisha, South Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Mahe very heavy rainfall warning

• West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and South Interior Karnataka hailstorm alert

March 23

• Continued rain, thunderstorms, and hail activity in Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka

Northeast India: Five-Day Weather Alert

The IMD has extended a five-day warning for Arunachal Pradesh, forecasting:

• Continuous rainfall

• Frequent lightning

• Localized thunderstorms and gusty winds

Additionally, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall over the next three to four days.

Southern States Also Brace for Wet Spell

The southern peninsula, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, Telangana, and Interior Karnataka, is forecast to see persistent rainfall and thunderstorm activity over the next 3–4 days.

Gradual Rise in Temperatures Across the Country

Despite widespread rain in several parts of India, the IMD has projected a gradual increase in maximum temperatures across most regions:

• Northwest India: Daytime temperatures expected to rise by 3–4°C after March 23

• Central India: Anticipated 2–3°C increase over the next few days

• Southern India: Maximum temperatures may climb 2–3°C over the coming 72 hours

Precautionary Measures for Residents and Farmers

The IMD has urged residents and local authorities in vulnerable regions to:

• Avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms or hailstorms

• Stay indoors when lightning or strong winds are forecast

• Secure loose outdoor objects to prevent storm damage

• Protect standing crops, especially in regions forecasted for hail

Farmers in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, where rabi crops are nearing harvest, are advised to harvest and store produce safely to minimize potential damage.