Weather today: Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Bihar on IMD's orange alert for thunderstorm and hailstorm

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Bihar, predicting thunderstorm, lightning, gusty winds and hailstorm on 12 May. Western Disturbance is responsible for the change in weather over northwest India. Meanwhile, Rajasthan and Gujarat continue to grapple with heatwave conditions and are on orange alert for the same.

The weather office in its latest press releases said, “Isolated thunderstorms, lightning & gusty winds (40-60 kmph) likely over northwest India” till 15 May, 2026." Furthermore, isolated hailstorm activity is likely in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh on 12 May and in Uttarakhand on 12 and 13 May.

For those areas where thunderstorm and hailstorm warning are in place, the residents should follow the below mentioned safety guidelines to avoid unforeseen tragedy:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorm and hailstorm activity

• Avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles

• Unplug electrical appliances during lightning

• Secure loose outdoor items to prevent wind damage

• Avoid unnecessary travel during intense weather conditions

• Farmers are advised to move harvested crops to safe places

“Heat wave conditions likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Rajasthan, Gujarat and West Madhya Pradesh” during the coming 3 to 4 days, IMD added.

Gradual rise in maximum temperatures is likely in the following regions:

Moving to weather forecast for northeast India, IMD predicted, “Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over Assam & Meghalaya during 13th – 17th, Arunachal Pradesh on 17th May with Isolated heavy rainfall over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura during 15th – 17th, Assam & Meghalaya on 12th, Arunachal Pradesh during 13th -16th May.”

Residents of sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim can expect isolated heavy rainfall during until 14 May. Similar weather conditions are likely in Andaman and Nicobar Islands between 14 and 16 May.

With respect to Central India, the Meteorological Department suggested possibility of isolated light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning gusty winds (speed reaching 30-50 kmph) in Chhattisgarh over the next 3 days.