IMD Weather Update: Rain and Thunderstorms Forecast Across Multiple Indian States
IMD Weather Update: Rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds forecast in multiple states; travel advisories issued by the meteorological department.
India is expected to experience a spell of unsettled weather over the coming days, with rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds forecast across several regions. According to the latest bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on February 23 at 7:45 pm, a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, interacting with multiple upper-air circulations and troughs, is influencing weather patterns in eastern, central, and southern India.
This combination of meteorological factors is leading to unstable atmospheric conditions, resulting in scattered showers and localised thunderstorms in multiple states. The IMD bulletin emphasises that while rainfall and storms are expected, the system is not forecast to intensify into a major cyclone.
Low-Pressure System Driving Weather Activity
The IMD confirmed that the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is creating instability in the surrounding regions. Its interaction with upper-air circulations and atmospheric troughs is triggering convective activity, which in turn produces short spells of rainfall and isolated thunderstorms.
Officials clarified that the system is expected to weaken within 24 hours, meaning the weather disturbances will be localised rather than widespread. The forecast does not indicate any risk of heavy flooding or continuous rainfall, but sudden gusty winds and lightning may occur in affected areas.
States Likely to Experience Rain and Thunderstorms
Over the next 24 – 48 hours, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra may experience intermittent rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
The IMD further highlighted that isolated thunderstorm activity with lightning is expected on February 24 in:
- Assam and Meghalaya, where brief downpours may temporarily reduce visibility on roads.
- Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, where short-duration storms may cause minor disruptions to outdoor activities.
- Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, where rainfall is likely to be light but accompanied by wind gusts.
- Telangana and Vidarbha, where thunderstorms may bring localised strong winds.
The department stressed that these thunderstorms are scattered rather than continuous, and residents are advised to remain cautious during outdoor activities.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands Under Watch
Apart from the mainland, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are also likely to experience thunderstorms with strong winds. The low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is influencing the weather in this island territory, creating unstable conditions for water-based transport.
While the IMD confirmed that the system is not expected to intensify into a severe storm, ferry services, boat rides, and coastal activities may be temporarily disrupted. Residents and tourists in the islands are advised to monitor local weather updates and avoid venturing into open waters during active thunderstorms.
Temperature Trends Across Regions
In addition to rainfall, the IMD bulletin outlined expected temperature changes:
- Northwest India: Maximum temperatures are forecast to rise by 2–3°C over the next four days, indicating a warming trend.
- Central India (Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh): Maximum temperatures may fall by around 2°C, followed by a gradual rise of 2–3°C.
- Other regions: Most parts of the country will see no significant change in daily highs.
This indicates a short-term cooling in central India while northwest India experiences slightly warmer weather as the low-pressure system weakens.
Rainfall Outlook From February 26
Looking slightly ahead, the IMD forecasts scattered rainfall activity from February 26:
- Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where higher altitudes may experience light snowfall, and roads may be slippery in hilly regions.
- Kerala, Mahe, Arunachal Pradesh, and Lakshadweep may witness brief showers or thunderstorms.
The bulletin notes that while the current low-pressure system may weaken, other weather influences will maintain localised rainfall in different parts of India, keeping atmospheric conditions unstable in patches.
Travel Advisory and Precautions
Given the forecast of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, travellers and residents are advised to take precautions:
- Stay updated with official IMD advisories before planning travel.
- Carry rain gear and warm clothing, especially in hill states.
- Exercise caution while driving; wet and slippery roads may lead to accidents.
- Be aware of temporary flight or ferry disruptions in affected areas.
- Avoid outdoor activities during active thunderstorms.
For hill states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, travellers should check local road conditions and be prepared for light snowfall at higher altitudes. Residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are advised to avoid water-based transport during gusty winds and thunderstorms.
Key Takeaways
The latest IMD bulletin highlights a short-term phase of unstable weather across eastern, central, and southern India, primarily driven by the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. While isolated rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are expected, the system is forecast to weaken within 24 hours and is not expected to escalate into a major storm.
Temperature variations will be seen, with rising highs in northwest India and a temporary dip in central India. From February 26 onward, rainfall activity is predicted to shift toward select northern and southern regions. Residents and travellers are advised to stay alert and follow official weather updates during periods of thunderstorm activity.
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Kulshreshth Chaturvedi
I’m Kulshreshth Chaturvedi, a writer and author specialising in creative writing, blogs, and professional content. I write on literature, ideas, and modern perspectives, focusing on clear, engaging, and well-structured storytelling. My goal is to create meaningful writing that inspires readers, builds connections, and delivers real value through words.
