Monsoon Update: IMD Issues Thunderstorm and Rain Alert Across 23 States, Including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Heavy Rainfall to Impact Multiple Regions; Farmers Urged to Take Precautions

New Delhi, April 17, 2025 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh alert warning of widespread thunderstorms and rain across 23 states, as weather conditions continue to deteriorate in several parts of the country. From the northern hilly regions to the southern coast, clouds, lightning, and downpours have caused a significant drop in temperatures while also posing threats to crops and daily routines.

Early morning showers coupled with thunderstorms swept through Delhi NCR and parts of Western Uttar Pradesh, bringing relief from rising heat but also triggering wind gusts and stormy skies. Cloud activity remains prominent over Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

States Under Thunderstorm and Rainfall Alert

According to the IMD, the following states are likely to witness thunderstorms, rain, and even lightning in the next 24–48 hours:

• Northern India: Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand

• Central India: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh

• Eastern India: West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam

• Northeast India: Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura

• Western India: Parts of Rajasthan and Maharashtra

• Southern India: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry

The IMD has also advised caution in regions prone to lightning strikes and strong winds, especially in farming zones and rural areas.

Weather Forecast for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Uttar Pradesh:
The weather in both eastern and western UP is expected to remain mostly dry on April 18, but the IMD has forecast a sharp increase in day and night temperatures. From April 19 onward, thunderstorms and rain are likely to return, potentially impacting agricultural activities in several districts. Farmers are advised to secure harvested crops and avoid fieldwork during storm alerts.

Bihar:
Parts of Bihar are also under a rain and lightning advisory. Thunderstorm activity is expected in districts such as Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur over the next two days. The conditions could affect transport, crop protection, and public safety, prompting the need for vigilance.

Storm Alert for Chhattisgarh and Other States

A 3-day rain and thunderstorm alert has been issued for Chhattisgarh, with possible damage to standing crops and temporary structures. Residents in low-lying areas and regions with ongoing agricultural activity are urged to monitor local updates and avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather periods.

The IMD continues to monitor the evolving monsoon patterns closely and has urged citizens across the affected states to follow safety protocols, stay indoors during storms, and prepare for sudden weather changes.