IMD issues rain and thunderstorm alert across 17 states: What travellers need to know before packing their bags |

For those planning a road trip in the hills or weekend vacation in northern or eastern India, it may be worth checking the latest weather forecast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for rain, thunderstorms, winds and lightning on 19 June for 17 states across India. For some places, warnings for hail and dust storms have also been issued. As per IMD’s latest bulletin, parts of Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, West Bengal and a few other regions are likely to witness unstable weather conditions, making travel difficult in these regions. For travellers, this changing weather pattern could mean delayed flights, slower travel and reduced visibility. Thunderstorm and rain alert for 17 StatesIMD has issued thunderstorm and rain alerts for 17 states across India. These include Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. In several areas, wind speeds are expected to reach 70–80 km/h.Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura in Northeast India are likely to experience heavy rainfall between June 19 and June 24. Very heavy rainfall is forecast for Assam and Meghalaya from June 19 to June 22.Travellers must plan accordingly.Delhi and NCR (19-21 June)People planning to visit Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, or Ghaziabad should be prepared for intermittent rain and thunderstorms through the weekend. Sudden showers may affect traffic. Tourists planning heritage walks or open-air attractions must carry rain protection.Uttarakhand (19-22 June)The IMD has issued a hailstorm alert from June 19 to June 22 for several districts in Uttarakhand, including Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Almora, Bageshwar, Nainital, and Champawat. A yellow alert for thunderstorms and rainfall has also been issued for these areas.Himachal Pradesh (19-22 June)There are predictions for thunderstorms and hail in parts of Himachal Pradesh. Mountain roads can be slippery after rain and visibility may reduce significantly during storms. Travellers should avoid unnecessary night driving.RajasthanTourists visiting Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, or Bikaner may also experience sudden weather changes, including dust storms. Desert safaris and evening outdoor experiences could be temporarily affected.Bihar, Jharkhand and Eastern India (19-22 June)The IMD has also predicted rainfall and thunderstorms across Bihar and Jharkhand. Travellers visiting Buddhist circuits and wildlife reserves should expect rain. Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (19-22 June)Parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to receive rain. Although the showers may lower temperatures. Those headed to Agra, Lucknow, Amritsar, or Chandigarh should monitor weather updates.Tips Keep checking the latest IMD forecast Follow local advisories Allow extra time for airport transfers Expect jam on roadsCarry umbrellas, raincoats, waterproof footwear Avoid trekking, boating, or outdoor adventure activities during thunderstormsConfirm with your hotel about the local weather before leavingWith thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds forecast in place, it is important to stay informed before booking tickets. A quick weather check before setting ensures a smoother and safer travel experience.(Sources: India Meteorological Department (IMD), Uttarakhand Meteorological Centre, and official weather bulletins issued by the Government of India.)