Monsoon Alert: IMD Issues Storm and Rain Warning for 20 States in Next 24 Hours

NEW DELHI — April 20, 2025: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a storm and rain alert for 20 states across the country over the next 24 hours, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and sudden temperature drops. The evolving monsoon conditions have already brought relief from intense heat in several regions while also causing disruption due to fallen trees, power lines, and waterlogging.

From the Himalayan foothills to South India, changing weather patterns are expected to continue, with authorities advising the public to remain cautious, especially in vulnerable areas.

Storm and Rain to Impact Central, Eastern and Southern India

The IMD reports that a western disturbance active over the Himalayan belt and north-west Jharkhand is influencing widespread thunderstorms and rainfall. Several northeastern states including Manipur, Mizoram, Puducherry, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim are under a rainfall alert.

In the southern belt, states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Kerala are likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. The sudden weather shifts in these regions have brought pleasant relief but also disrupted daily life in some areas.

An orange alert — indicating potential disruption — has been issued for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Jharkhand, urging residents to remain indoors where possible.

Snowfall Disrupts Travel in Himalayan Region

In higher altitudes, snowfall and rainfall have caused notable disturbances. The upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir saw fresh snowfall, including areas like Sinthan Top, leading to the closure of key routes such as the Anantnag-Kishtwar highway.

Similarly, Rajdan Pass, Bandipora-Gurez Road, and Zojila Pass in the Ganderbal district have been shut due to accumulating snow. Tourist hotspots like Pahalgam, Afarwat, Pir Panjal Hills, and regions near the Amarnath cave also reported a significant temperature drop, signaling the early impacts of the seasonal transition.

Rising Temperatures in North-Central India

In contrast, areas in western Uttar Pradesh and Delhi NCR are witnessing rising daytime temperatures due to sunny skies, though isolated showers may occur in the coming days. IMD officials have advised caution for commuters and pedestrians in storm-affected zones, particularly where roads are blocked by fallen debris.