New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and strong winds for 16 states on Sunday, August 16, as the monsoon remains active over large parts of the country. The advisory cites a cyclonic circulation in the upper atmosphere and the likelihood of a low‑pressure area forming over the plains of West Bengal, which could intensify rainfall activity in eastern India.
Widespread hazards — wind, lightning, hail and landslides
The IMD alert warns of stormy winds reaching up to 80 km/h in affected districts and forecasts severe lightning activity in some eastern regions, with potential damage to standing crops. Hailstorms are expected in several North Indian states, and landslide warnings have been issued for hilly and mountainous areas. The advisory also cautions that strong winds may uproot large trees in forested zones, posing risks to roads and power lines.
Authorities have been urged to advise the public against non‑essential travel during the period of peak activity. The IMD has attributed the disturbed conditions to the persistence of an upper‑air cyclonic circulation over north‑west Uttar Pradesh and adjacent areas and another circulation over south‑west Rajasthan.
Statewise outlook and likely impacts
- States under alerts include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha.
- Eastern India may see intensified rainfall as a low‑pressure area forms over the West Bengal plains.
- Hilly states have landslide warnings; residents and local administrations should remain vigilant for slope failures and waterlogged roads.
The IMD expects thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning over parts of north, east and central India. In densely wooded stretches, fallen trees brought down by storm‑force gusts are a significant hazard for travellers and power infrastructure.
Delhi forecast and immediate precautions
For the national capital, the IMD has issued a warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms on August 16. Wind gusts of around 40–50 km/h are likely during the period. The forecast indicates a daytime maximum of about 34°C and a night minimum near 28°C.
| Location | Expected weather | Key figures |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Heavy rain, thunderstorms | Max 34°C, Min 28°C; gusts 40–50 km/h |
| Affected states (selected) | Heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms | Gusts up to 80 km/h; landslide warnings in hill areas |
Precautionary measures advised by the IMD and disaster management agencies include avoiding travel during heavy rainfall and storms, staying away from trees and poorly anchored structures during high winds, and heeding local landslide and flood alerts in hilly and low‑lying areas. Farmers in eastern states should take steps to protect standing crops from severe lightning and heavy downpours.
What residents should do now
- Monitor local IMD updates and weather alerts issued by state disaster response authorities.
- Avoid travel on affected routes until authorities declare them safe; exercise caution on highways where fallen trees or debris may be present.
- Secure loose objects outdoors and seek shelter away from windows during thunderstorms and high winds.
- Residents in landslide‑prone zones should be prepared for evacuation orders and keep emergency kits ready.
The IMD will continue to track the evolving low‑pressure area and upper‑air circulations and is expected to issue further updates if conditions change. Local administrations have been advised to keep relief and road‑clearance teams on standby.
