Weather Forecast – IMD Issues 17-Hour Thunderstorm & Heavy Rain Alert for 19 States

Weather Forecast May 20, 2026: – While several states across the country are experiencing severe heat, the Meteorological Department has issued heavy rainfall alerts for many states. The IMD has issued a warning regarding thunderstorms and heavy rain across 19 states—including Bihar and Jharkhand—valid for the next 17 hours. An alert has been issued specifically warning of strong winds blowing at speeds ranging from 50 to 70 kilometres per hour during this period.

The Meteorological Department anticipates that severe heatwave conditions will persist across Northwest and Central India. Furthermore, the department forecasts heavy rainfall in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands this week, as well as in Northeast India and adjoining parts of East India, between May 21 and May 25, 2026.

According to the latest updates from the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of rainfall in 19 states, including Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka. Alerts regarding thunderstorms and squalls have also been issued for these states during this period.

Weather in UP
The Meteorological Department has forecast that severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across several districts of Uttar Pradesh for the next two days. The districts of Agra, Firozabad, Etawah, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Banda, Fatehpur, Auraiya, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, and Prayagraj may witness the brunt of this intense heat.

मौसम संबंधी चेतावनी

मुख्य बिंदु

उत्तर-पश्चिम और मध्य भारत में उष्ण लहर से लहर भीषण उष्ण लहर की स्थिति के जारी रहने की संभावना है।

अंडमान और निकोबार द्वीपसमूह में इस सप्ताह के दौरान, तथा पूर्वोत्तर भारत और इससे सटे पूर्वी भारत में 21 से 25 मई, 2026 के दौरान भारी वर्षा की… pic.twitter.com/AY6aiYrUqL

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 19, 2026

Weather in Delhi
According to the Meteorological Department, the skies over the national capital, Delhi, are expected to remain clear. Heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in several locations. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in the region could reach 44-46 degrees Celsius. Heatwave conditions are also expected on May 21, during which wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour are anticipated.

Weather in Uttarakhand
According to the Meteorological Department, a change in weather patterns is expected in Uttarakhand between May 20 and May 23. Strong winds accompanied by light rain may occur in several areas. Heatwave-like conditions could be witnessed in some regions. Dehradun may experience partly cloudy skies.

Weather in Bihar
The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for Bihar, anticipating strong winds, thunderstorms, and rain until May 25. During this period, winds may reach up to 81 kilometres per hour. An alert has also been issued for Patna regarding rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Additionally, rain alerts have been issued for Purnia, Bhagalpur, and Gaya.

Weather in Rajasthan
There is a possibility of hot winds blowing in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Furthermore, most districts in the state may experience heatwaves and severe heat until May 25. Alerts regarding severe heat have also been issued for Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Kota, and Sri Ganganagar.

Weather in Himachal
Rain is likely in Himachal Pradesh over the next 48 hours. Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu may experience rain accompanied by strong winds.

Weather in Jharkhand
The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for Jharkhand, warning of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Bokaro, and Mayurganj between May 20 and May 25.

Weather in Madhya Pradesh
An alert has been issued for Madhya Pradesh regarding heatwaves and hot winds, which are expected to continue until May 25. Additionally, there is a possibility of light rain in some parts of the state. Meanwhile, Bhopal, Gwalior, Rewa, Jabalpur, and Indore are expected to experience severe heat impacts.

Weather in Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema
Between May 19 and May 23, thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are likely in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema.

Weather in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Mahe
Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Mahe between May 20 and May 21; in Lakshadweep on May 19 and 20; and in South Interior Karnataka on May 19.

Heavy rainfall may also occur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands between May 19 and 25. Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim from May 21 to 25. The Meteorological Department forecasts a possibility of light to moderate rainfall at isolated places in Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh on May 19, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds. Furthermore, on May 20, light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds, is likely in isolated places in Konkan & Goa and Madhya Maharashtra.