India's Weather Is All Over the Place Right Now - Here's What's Coming Your Way This Week
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If you've stepped outside recently and felt like the weather just can't make up its mind, you're not wrong. Across India right now, some cities are baking under harsh summer heat while others are dealing with heavy rain, fierce winds, and even hailstorms. And according to the Meteorological Department, the next few days aren't going to calm down anytime soon.
Here's a clear breakdown of what's happening and what to expect where you live.
Delhi Gets a Yellow Alert - Rain and Gusty Winds Expected
The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Delhi for Tuesday, warning of rain accompanied by strong winds blowing at 30 to 40 kilometres per hour. It won't be a pleasant day to be outdoors without a reason.
Temperature-wise, expect a minimum of around 27°C and a maximum of 35°C — warm and muggy, especially with cloud cover. The rain isn't a one-day affair either. May 13th is also looking cloudy with more light showers on the cards for the capital.
Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP - Rain Through Mid-May
If you're in Punjab or Haryana, keep your umbrella handy from May 12th through the 15th. Light to moderate rain is expected across both states during this window. Strong winds are also in the forecast for western and eastern Uttar Pradesh, so people in cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Varanasi should stay alert.
Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are also in the rain zone — and for Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh specifically, the weather department has gone a step further and issued a hailstorm warning for isolated areas. If you're travelling through the hills, check conditions before you head out.
Himachal Pradesh Already Hit Hard - Damage Reported Across Districts
While the rest of the country is bracing for what's coming, Himachal Pradesh has already taken the first blow. Monday's storms caused serious damage across several parts of the state.
In the Banjar region of Kullu district, villages like Ghalincha, Gharyal, Kameda, and Kandi saw rooftops torn off homes and cowsheds. In Sundernagar in Mandi district, falling trees damaged multiple vehicles. The situation turned tragic in one village where lightning struck and killed dozens of cattle.
Power supply was disrupted in Shimla, Kangra, and Baijnath after strong winds uprooted trees. A tree also fell across the road at Jalori Pass, blocking traffic for some time.
The most heartbreaking incident from Monday was the death of a Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board lineman in the Vrindavan area of Kangra district. He was electrocuted while trying to repair a power line in the aftermath of the storm.
For Tuesday, May 12th, the weather department has issued alerts for Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts — warning of hailstorms, thunderstorms, and winds that could reach 40 to 70 kilometres per hour. Residents and travellers in these areas should take this seriously.
Northeast India, Bihar, Jharkhand - Rain for Most of the Week
The eastern and northeastern parts of the country are also in for a wet stretch.
Assam and Meghalaya can expect rain from May 12th to 15th. States like Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura will likely see light to moderate rain from May 13th to 15th. Jharkhand and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are under a rain watch for an extended period - May 12th all the way through to May 17th.
West Bengal, Sikkim, and Odisha are on rain alert from May 12th to 15th. Bihar is also expected to receive light to moderate rainfall between May 12th and 14th, which may offer some relief from the heat but could also disrupt daily routines in rural and flood-prone areas.
A Fresh Western Disturbance Could Make Things Worse After May 15th
Here's the part that should concern people in northwest India the most. The Meteorological Department is tracking a new western disturbance that may become active around May 15th. If it does, it could intensify the already unsettled weather across Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and the hilly states.
In plain terms - just because the rain eases for a day or two doesn't mean things are settling down. The second half of May could bring another round of disruption.
Stay Safe - A Few Practical Reminders
- If you're in a hilly region like Himachal or Uttarakhand, avoid unnecessary travel on mountain roads during storm warnings.
- Don't stand under large trees during thunderstorms - this is particularly important in rural areas.
- Residents in areas with weak rooftops or old structures should take precautions given the strong wind forecasts.
- Keep emergency contacts and local disaster helpline numbers handy, especially in flood-prone districts.
The weather department is monitoring conditions closely, and alerts may be updated as systems develop. It's worth checking local forecasts regularly over the next few days.
