NEW DELHI, India — June 21, 2026
India Weather Alert: A fresh spell of rain and thunderstorms is set to impact large parts of the country over the coming days as an active Western Disturbance combines with advancing monsoon systems, bringing significant changes to weather conditions across North, Central, Eastern, and Southern India.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), widespread rainfall, lightning, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are expected across several states during the next five days. The weather agency has also warned of isolated incidents of hailstorms and heavy rainfall in some regions.
The latest forecast comes as temperatures begin to moderate in several northern states following weeks of intense summer heat.
Western Disturbance to Impact North India
The IMD said the active Western Disturbance is expected to influence weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.
These regions are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning activity, and wind speeds ranging between 40 and 60 km/h over the next several days.
Meteorologists noted that atmospheric conditions remain favorable for scattered rain activity across the Himalayan region, which could bring temporary relief from rising temperatures.
Low-Pressure System Extending From Punjab to Bihar
Weather officials have identified a low-pressure trough in the lower atmosphere stretching from Punjab to Bihar, contributing to unstable weather conditions across northern and eastern India.
The interaction between this system and moisture-laden monsoon winds is expected to enhance rainfall activity across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh May Receive Rain
The IMD has forecast isolated rainfall across Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, and both western and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
These regions may also experience thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and strong winds reaching 40-50 km/h, with gusts potentially touching 60 km/h in some areas.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious during periods of severe weather, especially in open areas prone to lightning strikes.
Rajasthan to See Strong Winds and Rain Activity
Weather conditions in Rajasthan are expected to vary significantly across the state.
Western Rajasthan may experience strong winds around June 24, while eastern Rajasthan is likely to witness enhanced thunderstorm activity and gusty winds between June 24 and June 26.
Rainfall in some districts could provide relief from ongoing heatwave conditions that have persisted across parts of the state.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Eastern and Northeastern India
Several eastern and northeastern states are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall over the coming days.
The forecast includes:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Sub-Himalayan West Bengal
- Sikkim
- Odisha
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Meghalaya
These regions may also experience thunderstorms and localized flooding in low-lying areas where rainfall intensity becomes significant.
Western and Southern India Also Under Weather Watch
The IMD said scattered rainfall is likely across:
- Konkan and Goa
- Gujarat Region
- Saurashtra and Kutch
- Madhya Maharashtra
- Marathwada
Heavy rainfall is forecast in Konkan and Goa between June 22 and June 25.
Meanwhile, widespread rainfall activity is expected across southern states, including:
- Tamil Nadu
- Puducherry
- Coastal Karnataka
- Telangana
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala
The rainfall is expected to support further monsoon advancement across the region.
Weather Conditions During the Last 24 Hours
According to IMD observations, heavy rainfall was reported in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Gangetic West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, and Jharkhand during the previous 24 hours.
Heatwave-like conditions continued in parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Vidarbha.
Strong winds ranging between 50 and 80 km/h were recorded in parts of West Bengal, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Saurashtra, and Kutch.
Thunderstorm activity was also reported across several northeastern states, Odisha, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and western Uttar Pradesh.
Banda and Brahmapuri Among Hottest Locations
Despite increasing rainfall activity, several cities continued to record high temperatures on Saturday.
The hottest locations in the country were:
- Banda, Uttar Pradesh – 43.2°C
- Brahmapuri, Maharashtra – 43.2°C
- Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – 43°C
- Wardha, Maharashtra – 43°C
- Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh – 42.5°C
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 42.6°C
Temperatures above 42°C were also reported in Nagpur, Akola, and Khajuraho.
Lightning Strikes Claim Five Lives in Bihar
Severe weather conditions turned deadly in Bihar, where lightning strikes reportedly claimed five lives during rainfall-related incidents.
Authorities said three fatalities were reported from Vaishali district, while one death each was reported from Nawada and Jamui.
The Bihar government has announced compensation of ₹400,000 (4 lakh rupees) for the families of each victim.
Monsoon Continues Its Advance
The southwest monsoon continues to advance steadily across India.
According to the IMD, the current northern limit of the monsoon passes through Solapur, Hyderabad, Bhadrachalam, Koraput, Ranchi, Jamui, and Muzaffarpur.
Conditions remain favorable for further advancement into additional parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh through June 23.
As the monsoon progresses and the Western Disturbance remains active, weather experts expect rainfall activity to increase across large parts of the country, bringing much-needed relief from extreme heat while also raising the risk of localized flooding, thunderstorms, and lightning-related incidents.
