Heavy Rain Alert Across 15 States As IMD Warns Of Thunderstorms And Gusty Winds

New Delhi: Monsoon has again gained momentum in many parts of the country. India Meteorological Department IMD has issued an alert of heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds in 15 states for July 18. The department says that the weather may change suddenly in the next 14 hours. At some places, winds can blow at a speed of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour. There is also a danger of hailstorms and lightning.

Which states will be most affected?

According to IMD, there is a possibility of worsening weather in these states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places. 

How will the weather be in Delhi-NCR?

There are chances of heavy rain and thunderstorms in and around Delhi on July 18 and 19. The wind can blow at a speed of 60 to 65 kilometers per hour. This will provide relief from humidity and heat.  The maximum temperature in Delhi can be 37 degrees and the minimum can be 31 degrees Celsius.

There is an alert of heavy rain and strong winds in many districts including Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur. At some places the wind speed can reach up to 70 kilometers per hour. The maximum temperature in Lucknow is expected to be 33 degrees and minimum 28 degree Celsius.

What is the warning in Bihar?

Rain and storms are expected in many districts including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur. The Meteorological Department has advised people not to stop in the open and under trees. The temperature in Patna can remain between 33 to 28 degrees. Danger increased in hilly states. Due to continuous rains in the mountains of Uttarakhand and Himachal, the danger of landslides has increased. Strong winds of 65 to 70 kilometres per hour can also blow here. Those traveling on hilly roads have been asked to exercise caution.

Why is there no rain in Tamil Nadu?

When it is raining in most parts of the country, it remains hot in Chennai even in July. According to meteorologists, clouds are forming less due to the effect of El Nino. Heatwave-like conditions may persist here till July 18, with 4 days of heavy rain in the Northeast. Guwahati's Regional Meteorological Center said that there will be widespread rain in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura from July 17 to 19.