**Widespread Rainfall and Thunderstorms Predicted Across India**
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted extensive rainfall and thunderstorms in various regions of the country, issuing orange alerts for several states and Union Territories. In the national capital, light rain and drizzle are anticipated within the next two hours, particularly in areas such as Vivek Vihar, Preet Vihar, Kalkaji, Tughlakabad, IGNOU, and Deramandi. Similar weather conditions are expected in the National Capital Region (NCR), including Chhapraula, Noida, Dadri, Greater Noida, Faridabad, and Ballabhgarh, as well as Nuh and Hodal in Haryana.
Recent imagery from the Jammu Doppler Weather Radar, captured at 5:10 AM today, revealed significant thunderstorm activity. Intense convection, characterized by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and the potential for hail, has been reported in Jammu, RS Pura, Samba, Akhnoor, Nagrota, Kot Bhalwal, Bishnah, Vijaypur, and parts of Kathua and Udhampur. Moderate convection, indicating light to moderate rainfall, is affecting Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Billawar, Katra, Ramnagar, Hiranagar, Gool, Banihal, and nearby areas.
The IMD has noted that cloud tops are reaching heights of up to 12 kilometers, indicating the presence of deep and active thunderstorms. The weather system is progressing east-northeastward, with continued rainfall expected over the foothills and hilly regions. Authorities are advising residents to take necessary precautions, including staying indoors during thunderstorms, avoiding low-lying and waterlogged areas, and adhering to official safety guidelines.
Heavy rainfall has led to flood-like conditions in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, severely impacting Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, and Bastar districts. These areas are experiencing significant damage, with many roads blocked and several bridges and highway sections washed away. Residents have been compelled to seek refuge in relief camps as relentless rain continues to affect the region.
**States and Union Territories Under Orange Alerts**
The IMD has issued warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds (40–60 km/h), and moderate rain (5–15 mm/h) in the following regions:
– **Jammu & Kashmir**: Anantnag, Doda, Jammu, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur
– **Andhra Pradesh**: Alluri Seetarama Raju, SPSR Nellore, Srikakulam, Tirupathi, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, YSR Kadapa
– **Telangana**: Hyderabad, Medchal Malkajgiri, Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Narayanpet, Rangareddy, Wanaparthy, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri
– **Meghalaya**: East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills
– **Chhattisgarh**: Baloda Bazar, Balod, Bastar, Baragarh, Bemetara, Bijapur, Bilaspur, Dantewara, Dhamtari, Durg, Gariaband, Janjgir Champa, Kondagaon, Korba, Mahasamund, Nabarangapur, Narayanpur, Raipur, Sukma
– **Gujarat**: Bhavnagar, Botad, Bharuch, Dangs, Navsari, Surat, Valsad
– **Madhya Pradesh**: Burhanpur, Chhatarpur, Khandwa, Khargone
– **Rajasthan**: Ajmer, Barmer, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Tonk
– **Uttar Pradesh**: Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziabad
– **Himachal Pradesh**: Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Mandi, Solan
– **Tripura**: Dhalai, Khowai
– **Union Territories**: Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman
Residents in these areas are urged to stay vigilant and prepared for adverse weather conditions.
