Storm, Rain Alert Across 9 States; Heat Eases in MP, UP

Storm and rain alert brings relief from heatwave as IMD flags thunderstorms across MP, UP, Bihar and other states

After days of relentless heat, a widespread storm and rain alert across nine states has brought early signs of relief, particularly in central and northern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday warned of thunderstorms, gusty winds and possible hailstorms, with temperatures expected to dip by 3–5°C in several regions.

The shift in weather is already visible in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, where localised rainfall and cloud cover have eased conditions that had been hovering well above normal for this time of year.

Heat breaks in plains

In Uttar Pradesh, maximum temperatures in at least 15 districts settled between 30°C and 32°C, a noticeable drop from earlier highs. However, pockets of extreme heat persisted. Orai recorded a sharp 41.6°C, while Hardoi saw a relatively cooler minimum of 17°C, indicating fluctuating conditions across the state.

Residents in cities like Lucknow and Kanpur reported overcast skies since morning, with occasional winds offering some respite by late afternoon.

Rain activity in MP

Madhya Pradesh, which had been reeling under an intense heat spell, has started witnessing scattered thunderstorms and rainfall. The weather office has issued rain warnings for 21 districts, including Gwalior, with wind speeds likely to reach 30–50 kmph.

According to officials, nearly 35 districts in the state have already recorded rain or storm activity over the past two days. In Bhopal and surrounding areas, brief showers on Friday evening brought down temperatures marginally, though humidity levels rose.

Alerts in eastern states

In Bihar, an orange alert has been issued for thunderstorms and strong winds of up to 60 kmph. The volatile weather has already turned deadly in at least one instance. A labourer in Kaimur district died after being struck by lightning on Friday, local authorities confirmed.

Meanwhile, parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal are also likely to witness similar weather patterns over the next 48 hours, with intermittent rainfall and gusty winds.

Kashmir road blocked

In Jammu and Kashmir, a landslide in the Chenab Valley disrupted traffic on the Doda-Kishtwar road, leaving over 100 vehicles stranded. Debris from the hillside blocked a key stretch, and restoration work was underway at the time of reporting.

Officials said heavy machinery and personnel have been deployed, but clearance may take time depending on weather conditions in the area.

Rajasthan heat persists

Despite scattered dust storms and isolated rain, Rajasthan continues to battle extreme temperatures. Barmer and Bikaner recorded highs above 44°C, with most cities crossing the 40°C mark.

The weather department has issued a yellow alert for dust storms and light rain in 16 districts over the coming days. In Jodhpur, water scarcity at IIT Jodhpur has forced authorities to arrange tanker supplies for students amid rising demand.

Coping measures in Delhi

In the national capital, the Delhi government has initiated relief steps under the ‘Jaldoot Abhiyan’. Free drinking water is now being provided at 23 major bus terminals and inside nearly 3,000 buses to help commuters manage the heat.

Commuters at ISBT Kashmere Gate and Sarai Kale Khan said the move has offered some relief, especially during peak afternoon hours.

Mixed outlook ahead

The IMD has forecast above-normal rainfall across the country in May, alongside below-normal maximum temperatures in several regions. However, parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra are expected to continue facing heatwave conditions intermittently.

Heavy rainfall ranging between 7 cm and 20 cm has already been recorded in isolated pockets of Assam, Odisha, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Hailstorms and thunderstorms have also been reported across hill states and parts of central India.

Next two days forecast

For May 3, heatwave conditions are expected to persist in western Rajasthan, while thunderstorms and rain are likely in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand and parts of south India.

By May 4, rainfall activity is expected to expand into northern states, including Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Eastern and northeastern regions may witness heavy rainfall under orange alert conditions.

For now, the storm and rain alert signals a much-needed pause in the heatwave, though weather fluctuations are likely to continue in the coming days.