IMD Storm Alert in 15 States as North India Shivers

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm alert for 15 states, including Bihar and Chhattisgarh, as active Western Disturbances trigger unseasonal snowfall, rain and hail across large parts of the country. Snowfall blanketed the four Dhams in Uttarakhand on Wednesday while rain and strong winds lashed Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures even in April.

Thunderstorm Alert for 15 States

The IMD storm alert covers multiple regions, with Bihar and Chhattisgarh among the states on high alert for sudden thunderstorms. Officials said the system is linked to the Kal Baisakhi weather pattern, typical in April-May, which can bring gusts of 50 to 100 kmph along with rain and hail.

Snowfall in Himalayan Regions

Fresh snowfall covered Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand on Wednesday. Mountains in Himachal Pradesh also saw snow while the plains received moderate rain. Himachal’s average maximum temperature fell 11°C below normal. High-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including Gulmarg, recorded fresh snowfall.

Rains Lash Northern Plains

Lucknow and 25 other districts in Uttar Pradesh witnessed rain accompanied by strong winds. A pontoon bridge at Ganga Ferry Ghat in Meja, Prayagraj, was swept away by the swollen river. In Rajasthan, several districts recorded more than an inch of rain over the past two days. A tree branch broke and fell on a moving roadways bus in Barabanki, though no casualties were reported.

Temperature Plunge in North India

A noticeable drop in temperature is being felt across North India. Rajasthan has seen a 7-degree decline over the last 20 days. Delhi recorded its coldest April day in 11 years on Wednesday. Madhya Pradesh is experiencing three active cyclonic circulations, adding to the unsettled weather.

Kal Baisakhi Active in Bihar

The Kal Baisakhi system has become particularly active in Bihar. This sudden storm phenomenon typically strikes in the Vaishakh month and can disrupt daily life with intense winds, rain and hail before clearing quickly.

Bridge Swept Away in Prayagraj

The strong currents in the Ganga near Prayagraj washed away the pontoon bridge, highlighting the immediate impact of the weather shift on local infrastructure. Similar incidents of fallen branches and waterlogging were reported from other parts of Uttar Pradesh.

Outlook for Coming Days

According to the latest forecast, April 9 is likely to bring continued snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Light rain may occur at isolated places in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha could see thunderstorms with winds gusting between 30 and 50 kmph. A heavy rain alert has been issued for Assam and Meghalaya. On April 10, light to moderate rain and snowfall may persist in Jammu and Kashmir while isolated light rain is expected in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Thunderstorms will continue to affect West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha.

The IMD has indicated that weather conditions are likely to improve and remain largely clear across Rajasthan from April 9 for the next week. This India news update underscores the impact of Western Disturbances on public life, agriculture and transport even as the country moves into the summer season. Authorities have advised residents in the affected areas to stay alert to the latest weather bulletins.