India is bracing for another spell of intense weather activity as the India Meteorological Department has placed 21 states under varying levels of alert for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds over the next few days.
The warning comes as multiple weather systems align simultaneously. An active southwest monsoon, cyclonic circulation over northern India and a fresh western disturbance are expected to bring widespread rainfall across large parts of the country.
Authorities have warned that wind speeds may reach between 60 and 80 kmph in several regions, increasing the possibility of uprooted trees, traffic disruptions, waterlogging and power outages.
The weather activity, however, is also expected to bring relief from soaring temperatures, with maximum temperatures likely to fall by 2C to 5C in several states.
Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab prepare for strong winds
According to News 18, Delhi-NCR is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds throughout June 17.
Areas including Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad may witness wind speeds exceeding 60 kmph, potentially affecting traffic movement during peak hours.
Neighbouring Uttar Pradesh is likely to experience more severe conditions. Districts such as Meerut, Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Kanpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj have been placed under alert as thunderstorms and winds of up to 80 km/h are expected.
Punjab and Haryana are also preparing for intense weather conditions. Cities including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Ambala, Hisar and Karnal could experience heavy rain, lightning and powerful winds that may disrupt electricity supply and damage standing crops.
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Bihar, Rajasthan and central India are likely to see intense weather activity
Eastern India is also expected to remain under the influence of weather systems.
According to News 18, Bihar may receive heavy rainfall between June 17 and June 19, affecting districts such as Patna, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, Purnia and Muzaffarpur. Strong winds reaching 65 km/h and lightning activity have also been forecast.
Jharkhand districts, including Ranchi, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur and Deoghar, are expected to receive persistent rainfall, increasing the risk of localised flooding.
In Rajasthan, cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner and Kota may witness thunderstorms accompanied by dust storms and strong winds.
Madhya Pradesh is also likely to experience increased monsoon activity, with Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Ujjain and Rewa expected to receive rainfall over the next few days.
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Hills and the northeast remain vulnerable to landslides
The Himalayan states remain particularly vulnerable.
According to News 18, Uttarakhand districts, including Dehradun, Nainital, Pithoragarh and Champawat, are under alert for heavy rain, with authorities warning of possible landslides and road blockages.
Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness rainfall, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms, particularly in higher-altitude areas such as Shimla, Kullu and Kangra.
Jammu and Kashmir will continue to experience unstable weather due to the influence of a western disturbance.
Meanwhile, northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, are expected to receive heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides in vulnerable locations.
Southern India is also expected to remain wet, with Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh continuing to receive moderate to heavy rainfall as the southwest monsoon strengthens its grip across the region.
The IMD has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms, stay away from trees and electric poles during lightning activity, and closely monitor official weather advisories as conditions evolve.
