IMD Issued heavy rainfall alert in 22 states till March 30
A combination of two active Western Disturbances and a low-level trough is triggering unseasonal rain and thunderstorms across much of the country.
IMD Issued Heavy Rainfall: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indeed issued a widespread weather alert for today, Friday, March 27, 2026. IMD Issued heavy rainfall alert in 22 states till March 30.
A combination of two active Western Disturbances and a low-level trough is triggering unseasonal rain and thunderstorms across much of the country.
The IMD has placed 22 states under various alert levels. Here is the breakdown of the most significant warnings:
Orange Alert (Heavy Rain): Issued for Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam. These regions are expected to see the most intense downpours, with some areas likely to experience hailstorms.
Yellow Alert (Thunderstorms & Winds): A broader alert covering the Northwest plains and parts of Central India.
North India: Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are seeing light to moderate rain with gusty winds (30–50 kmph).
Himalayan Belt: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are under a “heavy rain/snow” watch, which could lead to travel disruptions or landslides.
Northeast: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur are on high alert for widespread rainfall through March 29.
Regional Focus: Karnataka & South India:
While the most severe alerts are in the East and North, Karnataka is also experiencing significant weather shifts:
Light to moderate showers with thunderstorms are expected across Interior Karnataka (including Bengaluru) and the Coastal regions through March 30. Isolated pockets in North Interior Karnataka (such as Belagavi and Bagalkote) were warned of potential hailstorms yesterday, with residual activity possible today.
As of this afternoon, there has been no statewide declaration of school holidays for Karnataka. Local districts may issue circulars if conditions worsen, but for now, schools remain operational.
Key Safety Advice:
Secure harvested crops immediately, as hailstorms and gusty winds can cause significant damage. Expect traffic delays in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi due to evening showers and waterlogging. Stay indoors during lightning; avoid seeking shelter under trees or near electrical poles.
