Storm Alert Across 22 States: Heavy Rain to Lash Bihar, UP; Cloudy Skies to Persist in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi: Monsoon has once again gained momentum in many parts of the country. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning in 22 states. The department says that during the next 12 hours the weather may change suddenly in many areas and there may be rain with heavy thunderstorms.

According to meteorologists, a low pressure area is forming in the North Bay of Bengal. Due to its effect, there are chances of good rains in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Northeast India and Western Himalayan states for the next week. At the same time, rain activities may remain somewhat weak in the plains of South India, West Central India and Northwest.

Which states are on alert?

IMD has predicted heavy rain in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. There is also a danger of strong winds and lightning in some areas.

What are the biggest dangers in Odisha and Northeast?

There may be excessive rain in many districts of Odisha. At the same time, due to continuous rains in the North-Eastern states, there is a possibility of the water level of rivers increasing and waterlogging in low-lying areas. The local administration has appealed to the people to remain alert.

How will be the weather of Delhi-NCR?

At present there is no possibility of heavy rain in Delhi and surrounding areas. The sky may remain cloudy, but humidity will remain. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 38 degrees and minimum 28 degrees Celsius.

Which areas need to be alert in Bihar?

Heavy rain alert has been issued in Kishanganj and Araria. Samastipur, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Vaishali and many other districts may receive light to moderate rain. Whereas the weather in Patna, Gaya and Nalanda is likely to remain normal.

Where will it rain the most in Madhya Pradesh?

Heavy to very heavy rain may occur in Indore, Ujjain, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Katni, Shahdol, Satna, Rewa, Singrauli, Sidhi, Dhar, Jhabua, Alirajpur and Mandsaur. There is also a possibility of strong winds in these areas.

What will be the situation in the hill states?

Rain may continue throughout the week in Himachal Pradesh. There is an alert of heavy rain and winds in many areas including Shimla, Kangra, Bilaspur, Sundernagar and Hamirpur. Heavy rain warning has also been issued in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital, Rudraprayag and Chamoli of Uttarakhand.

What precautions should people take?

The Meteorological Department has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during inclement weather, avoid water-logged areas and avoid standing in open places during lightning. People living in hilly areas have been asked to be extra cautious in view of the possibility of landslides.