The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir due to heavy rainfall expected after a severe dust storm caused damage in various parts of Delhi. In Delhi, the weather department has issued a yellow alert for May 11 and May 12. According to the Met department, there will be a generally cloudy sky with light rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds on both days.
In the north-western states, including Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, the weather forecast predicts light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until May 13. Rajasthan is expected to experience similar conditions until May 12. Meanwhile, coastal areas of Gujarat will continue to experience hot and humid weather until May 14.
“A cyclonic circulation lies over northeast Assam, another cyclonic circulation over east Bangladesh and a trough runs from east Assam to north Odisha in lower tropospheric levels,” IMD’s press release states.
Delhi to receive more rainfall
According to IMD, there is a high probability of rain on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be around 39 and 29 degrees Celsius respectively. Delhi experienced a sudden change in weather last night as a major sand and thunderstorm swept through the city and surrounding areas, casting a murky hue over the skies along with heavy rainfall.
“Gusty Winds (at 2200 hrs IST of today) reported (kmph) over Delhi: Ujwa 77 kmph; Jafarpur 57 kmph; Lodhi road 61 kmph; Pragati Maidan 63 kmph; Pitampura 57 kmph; Narayana 50 kmph; Najafgarh 40 kmph,” the IMD posted on X. There were multiple reports of trees falling in different areas due to the strong winds in the city. Imd advises residents to stay indoors, secure their windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel. After enduring days of scorching summer temperatures and high humidity, the gusty winds brought much-needed relief to the city.
IMD issues yellow alert for parts of Himachal
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued a yellow alert for rain and hailstorms in five districts of Himachal Pradesh from May 11 to 13. The alert covers Kangra, Hamirpur, Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu districts. Additionally, temperatures in the state are forecasted to drop below normal during this period. Director of IMD Himachal Pradesh, Surender Paul, said, “The thunderstorms will continue for the next 48 hours in the state. Yesterday, rain and hailstorms were recorded in some parts of Shimla and Kangra districts. Its impact will be on May 12, and some districts like Kangra, Hamirpur, Kullu, and Mandi may receive heavy rainfall.”
“Hailstorm is also expected in Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, and their surrounding areas. The weather will start improving after May 13; the temperatures will also remain below normal,” he said. “The temperatures are not expected to rise, but the humidity level has increased slightly. This is due to the western disturbance; the low-level wind also has an impact. We have issued a yellow alert for May 11, 12, and 13 at the same time from today onwards. The hailstorm warning has also been issued, especially in the district of Shimla,” Paul added.
Rains bring temperatures down in Pune
Unseasonal rains provided much-needed relief from the scorching heat in Pune city and its surrounding areas on Friday. According to the IMD, the Lohegaon area in the city received the highest rainfall, measuring 58 mm, while Wadgaonsherri and Shivajinagar recorded 37.5 mm and 28 mm of rain, respectively, until 5:30 pm. The fire brigade reported at least 29 incidents of tree falls due to strong winds between 3:30 pm and 7 pm. In Hadapsar area, a tree caught fire after being struck by lightning. The IMD release also predicted showers for Saturday.
