IMD Issues Red Alert as Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain Sweep Across India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that thunderstorms with gusty winds will affect parts of northwest India over the next four to five days. This weather change is happening as the southwest monsoon spreads over most of the country. According to the IMD, this activity is due to cyclonic circulation over west Rajasthan and northern central Uttar Pradesh.

Kerala on Red Alert for Heavy Rainfall

The IMD said Kerala will likely receive heavy rain in isolated areas over the next three to four days. It issued a red alert for eight districts, including Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kozhikode. An orange alert is in place for districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Thrissur. As a result, several districts in Kerala have closed schools and colleges for May 30. In Idukki, authorities banned night travel in hilly areas from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Thunderstorms in Northern States

The IMD has predicted widespread rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Rainfall is also expected in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan until June 2. Additionally, Jammu-Kashmir and nearby areas may get heavy rain on May 30 and 31.

Delhi Under Orange Alert

On Thursday evening, Delhi saw light rain, offering slight relief from the heat. The IMD issued an orange alert for May 30, warning of lightning, thunderstorms, and squalls. The minimum temperature recorded was 29°C, which is 2.4 degrees above the seasonal average.

Storms Forecast for Andhra Pradesh Till May 31

Andhra Pradesh will also experience thunderstorms between May 29 and 31. The IMD said parts of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, South Coastal Andhra, and Rayalaseema will see lightning and gusty winds reaching up to 50 km/h.

Rajasthan to Witness Showers and Thunderstorms

Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely in some parts of Rajasthan on May 30 and 31. According to the weather office, areas like Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, and Jaipur may get showers.

Mumbai Faces Health Issues Due to Early Monsoon

In Mumbai, the early monsoon has led to a rise in health problems. Sudden temperature changes and high humidity have caused a 20–30% increase in respiratory and mosquito-borne illnesses. Hospitals across the city are seeing more patients than usual. Dr. Kirti Sabnis from Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said, “We are seeing a growing number of patients with respiratory complaints.”