As the final week of June unfolds, India's weather is fracturing into two sharply contrasting patterns at once. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Punjab-Haryana under high-alert warnings for the next 48 hours, with wind gusts expected to reach 70 to 80 kilometres per hour in several areas alongside heavy to very heavy rainfall. At the same time, parts of Vidarbha, eastern Uttar Pradesh, eastern Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh are still locked in heat wave conditions, meaning the country is simultaneously enduring extreme heat in some corners and violent storms in others.
Several Weather Systems Firing at Once
IMD says the current instability is being driven by multiple weather systems operating in tandem across the country. A monsoon trough at sea level stretches all the way from Rajasthan to Bihar, funnelling moisture-laden winds deep inland. Cyclonic circulations are active over the Bay of Bengal, Assam, Haryana, and north-western Uttar Pradesh, adding further intensity to an already charged atmosphere. A western disturbance is additionally influencing north-western India. The combined effect of all these overlapping systems raises the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and damaging winds to a significant degree over the coming two days. IMD has specifically advised farmers to avoid working in open fields during thunderstorm periods and urged fishermen to study weather bulletins carefully before venturing out to sea. Strong winds are also expected to uproot trees and disrupt electricity supply in multiple districts.
Southwest Monsoon Pushing Further Inland
According to IMD, the south-west monsoon is now actively advancing into new territories in Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar. As the monsoon front moves deeper inland, the geographic spread of rainfall keeps widening, and temperatures are expected to fall across several states in the days ahead. However, IMD cautions that heavy downpours in certain regions could disrupt daily life through waterlogging and localised flooding. In Punjab and Haryana, the joint impact of the western disturbance and cyclonic circulation is expected to bring a marked shift in weather conditions.
Delhi-NCR Faces Gusts up to 70 KMPH and Days of Rain
Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region should brace for a turbulent stretch over the next 48 hours. IMD has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall between June 23 and June 26, with wind speeds expected to hit 60 to 70 kilometres per hour. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are anticipated across many parts of the region. The maximum temperature is forecast to hover around 38 degrees Celsius while the minimum is expected to stay near 29 degrees Celsius. IMD has advised people to keep away from open grounds and structurally weak buildings during storm periods.
UP Set for Rain and Gusty Winds From West to East
Both the western and eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh are likely to see active weather in the coming days. Districts including Meerut, Noida, Aligarh, Agra, Mathura, Kanpur, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi are under forecast for light to moderate rainfall accompanied by winds reaching 30 to 40 kilometres per hour. Some eastern districts may continue to experience high humidity and muggy conditions even as rain arrives. In Lucknow, the maximum temperature is expected to remain as high as 40 degrees Celsius.
Bihar Faces Three Days of Heavy Rain and Lightning Risk
Bihar is set for a particularly rough spell, with IMD predicting severe weather across many districts for the next three days. Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Supaul, Katihar, Bhagalpur, and Araria are among the districts under heavy rain alerts. Wind speeds in these areas could reach 50 to 55 kilometres per hour, and the risk of lightning strikes will remain elevated throughout the period. Patna is expected to see temperatures hovering around 38 degrees Celsius.
Jharkhand Braces for Storm Winds up to 70 KMPH
Monsoon activity is picking up pace in Jharkhand, with conditions turning severe across many districts. Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega, Dhanbad, Bokaro, and Jamshedpur are among the areas where heavy rainfall is forecast. IMD has warned that storm winds could reach 70 kilometres per hour across the state, and waterlogging is a real risk in low-lying localities.
West Bengal on Alert for Rain and Lightning Strikes
In West Bengal, the districts of Nadia, Malda, Murshidabad, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling are likely to receive heavy rainfall over the coming days. IMD has flagged the risk of thunderstorms and lightning strikes as additional hazards for these areas. Kolkata is expected to see a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 28 degrees Celsius. Northern Bengal is expected to bear a heavier brunt of the rain compared with the rest of the state.
Rajasthan: Dust Storms and Rain Moving In
Monsoon activity in Rajasthan is gradually building momentum. Districts including Jaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Kota, Alwar, and Sriganganagar are under watch for rainfall and strong winds. IMD has warned that wind speeds could reach 60 to 70 kilometres per hour in parts of the state, which is likely to trigger dust storms that reduce visibility significantly in some areas.
Madhya Pradesh Districts Expected to See Rainfall
In Madhya Pradesh, the districts of Betul, Chhindwara, Vidisha, and Khandwa are expected to see the onset of rainfall activity in the near term. That said, heat wave conditions have not fully retreated from Vidarbha, eastern Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Chhattisgarh, meaning those regions still face heat stress even as neighbouring areas get rain relief. With lightning strike incidents expected to rise across north India, eastern India, and hilly states, IMD has urged everyone in affected areas to monitor local weather updates closely and continuously.
