Rain Alert Issued for 39 MP Districts Amid Nationwide Storm Chaos

IMD warns of heavy showers, thunderstorms in Madhya Pradesh for next 48 hours as storms claim 20 lives in Bihar, uproot 15,000 trees in Haryana.

A powerful weather system brewing over northwest Rajasthan has triggered widespread rain and storms across India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a rain alert for 39 districts in Madhya Pradesh for the next 48 hours. Instead of the blistering May heat, parts of the state saw rainfall and hail on Monday, affecting 15 districts including the capital.

MP Braces for More Downpours

The alert covers key areas like Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur, where strong winds and thunderstorms are expected through Wednesday. Local authorities confirmed rain and hail in 15 districts yesterday, with gusty winds adding to the disruption. "Conditions are likely to intensify in isolated pockets," an IMD official in Bhopal told reporters late Monday evening.

This unusual May activity follows a cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan, linked to a long cloud trough from southeast Uttar Pradesh to Tamil Nadu. Srinagar too logged heavy rain on Monday, while temperatures plunged across the north.

Bihar Toll Rises to 20

In Bihar, the storms turned deadly, with initial reports indicating at least 20 deaths from lightning strikes amid heavy rain and thunderstorms across six districts. The IMD has sounded an orange alert for heavy downpours in 18 districts today, urging residents to stay indoors during peak hours.

Damage assessments are ongoing, with flooded roads and power outages reported from Patna to rural belts. Sources familiar with the relief efforts said state disaster teams were deployed overnight.

Haryana Winds Uproot 15,000 Trees

Haryana bore the brunt of ferocious winds, uprooting over 15,000 trees and causing chaos in urban and rural areas alike. Strong gusts accompanying the rain felled power lines and blocked highways, particularly in Gurugram and Faridabad.

No immediate fatalities were reported, but emergency services worked through the night to clear debris. The mercury dipped sharply, offering rare relief from the heat.

Rajasthan Sees 8°C Drop

Rajasthan, at the heart of the system, recorded an 8°C temperature plunge on Monday due to storms, rain, and hail. Jaipur's maximum hovered below 35°C, a stark contrast to recent highs, with similar drops in Alwar, Sikar, and Pilani.

The IMD issued a yellow alert for 11 districts on May 5 and 6, while Jaisalmer sweltered with the state's highest reading. "This is unprecedented for early May," a Jaipur weather station source noted.

Hill States Chill in May

Unseasonal cold gripped Himachal Pradesh, where Solan hit a record low of 4.8°C for May on Monday—beating the 2021 mark of 9.4°C. Tabo logged 3.5°C and Kukumseri 4.1°C, prompting warnings for high-altitude trekkers.

In Uttarakhand, rain is forecast across all districts today, with heavy falls and possible snowfall in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh. Hilly and plain areas alike face flash flood risks.

The nationwide shift has brought some respite from heatwaves but raised concerns over agriculture and urban infrastructure. Farmers in Madhya Pradesh's rain alert districts are watching nervously, as untimely showers could hit ripening crops. Officials advise avoiding open fields and monitoring local updates.

With the system persisting, more disruptions loom through mid-week. The rain alert for Madhya Pradesh districts underscores the IMD's call for vigilance amid this erratic pre-monsoon spell.