Weather Today: IMD issues rain alert for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan; Delhi gets relief from heatwave. Check full forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall, gusty winds, thunderstorms and lightning for many states from Friday, May 1, 2026, predicting a sudden change in weather system. Delhi-NCR witnessed a sudden weather shift on Thursday afternoon, with a hailstorm and rain bringing much-needed relief from heatwave conditions. For Friday, May 1, 2026 partly cloudy skies have been forecast for Delhi.

The IMD has forecast rainfall for Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh for Friday. Light spell of rain is likely in Chandigarh. Very heavy rainfall has been forecast for north-eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya. West Bengal, Sikkim and Odisha might also see heavy rain, thunderstorms today, as per the IMD.

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Delhi weather today

Temperatures in Delhi are likely to rise from Friday as more rain is in store for the city, with a fresh western disturbance expected to influence northwest India from May 2. light rainfall and gusty winds are likely in Delhi from May 3-5. On Thursday, Delhi-NCR region was hit by a thunderstorm, with gusty winds, rain and even hail reported in some pockets.

UP weather alert

In Uttar Pradesh, thunderstorm and rainfall activity has intensified rapidly, stretching from western Uttar Pradesh to the Purvanchal region. Yellow alerts have been issued in several districts, warning of potentially severe weather. Authorities have also predicted the possibility of hailstorms and lightning in Bundelkhand and the eastern parts of the state.

Many districts in UP experienced dust storms followed by light to moderate rainfall, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures. However, this relief is likely to be temporary, as weather conditions remain unstable.

Weather in Bihar

Strong winds and rainfall have lowered temperatures in several districts of Bihar, offering respite from the heat. At the same time, the risk of lightning strikes and hailstorms has increased.

An alert has been issued for nearly 22 districts, where severe storms and rainfall are still possible. Some areas have already reported lightning incidents causing damage. The Meteorological Department has advised residents to avoid open fields, standing under trees, or staying near water bodies during adverse weather.

What about Rajasthan?

This change in weather has brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat in Rajasthan, but it also comes with certain risks. Cloudy skies along with light to moderate rainfall have been reported in several districts, while strong winds have led to a drop in temperatures by 1 to 3 degrees.

However, due to an active western disturbance, these conditions are expected to persist for the next 2–3 days. Wind speeds may reach 40 to 50 kmph in some areas, increasing the likelihood of dust storms, especially in desert regions. This could reduce visibility and raise the risk of road accidents.

Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh

The impact of changing weather conditions is becoming more pronounced across Punjab. Cloud cover has increased in several districts, with rain and thunderstorms likely. Over the next 24 hours, thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall are expected. Wind speeds may reach 50 to 60 kmph, which could affect crops and disrupt power supply.

A similar situation is being observed in Haryana, where rain accompanied by strong winds has been reported in multiple districts. While the drop in temperatures has brought relief from the heat, the unstable weather calls for caution.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

Pre-monsoon activity is now picking up pace across South India. Alerts for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have been issued in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough along several coastal areas, prompting fishermen to avoid venturing out.

Himachal and Uttarakhand weather

Weather conditions in Uttarakhand remain unsettled due to an active western disturbance. Several districts are witnessing heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and even snowfall in higher-altitude areas, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious, especially while travelling on mountain roads, as the risk of landslides has increased.

A similar situation is being observed in Himachal Pradesh. Popular tourist destinations like Shimla and Manali, along with nearby regions, are experiencing continuous rain and hailstorms. Snowfall in higher reaches has further intensified the cold. The inclement weather is expected to persist over the next few days, potentially affecting tourism and daily life.

In Jammu and Kashmir, temperatures have also dropped significantly, with widespread rainfall and snowfall reported across several areas. The chill has returned to the valley, prompting residents to bring out warm clothing once again. The Meteorological Department has advised caution in view of the prevailing weather conditions.