Thu Mar 20 01:10:00 UTC 2025: **IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds Across India Due to Anti-Cyclone**

NEW DELHI – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for widespread rainfall and strong winds across several states, primarily in the east, due to the formation of an anti-cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal. The alert comes after an unusually varied March, with some areas experiencing extreme heat while others saw rain and cooler temperatures. Delhi, however, enjoyed pleasant weather and improved air quality.

The IMD forecasts heavy rainfall, with wind speeds reaching 40-60 km/h, in eastern states. Bihar is expected to experience rainfall on March 19th and 20th. Other affected regions include East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh (until March 22nd), West Madhya Pradesh, Darjeeling and Sikkim (March 20th-21st), and Vidarbha (March 21st-22nd). Odisha and Jharkhand are also predicted to receive heavy rainfall between March 20th and 22nd.

A separate cyclonic circulation over Pakistan and neighboring areas is expected to bring thunderstorms and strong winds to Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Uttar Pradesh anticipates thunderstorms and rain from March 19th to 22nd. Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh may also see rainfall in the coming days.

Northeast India will continue to experience rainfall, with the possibility of snowfall in higher altitudes. Heavy rainfall and snowfall are predicted for Arunachal Pradesh until March 23rd, while Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are expected to see rain for the next five days. Hailstorms are possible in parts of Assam and Meghalaya on March 19th.

Temperature forecasts indicate a two-degree Celsius increase in northwestern India. Central India will see no significant temperature change for the next 48 hours, followed by a two-to-four-degree drop. Eastern India is expected to experience a four-to-six-degree temperature drop over the next two days. The IMD has not issued any heatwave warnings for the next four to five days.

Read More