Sun Mar 23 01:20:00 UTC 2025: ## IMD Issues Orange Alert for Heavy Rainfall Across 20 States
**New Delhi, [Date]** – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across approximately 20 states, primarily in eastern India. The alert, effective for Sunday, predicts widespread downpours with wind speeds reaching 40-50 kilometers per hour in several regions.
The IMD attributes the inclement weather to an imbalanced wind system stretching from eastern Uttar Pradesh to Maharashtra, resulting in cyclonic circulation over Chhattisgarh and neighboring states. A trough line extends from northern Karnataka to southern Tamil Nadu, while an anticyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is moderating temperatures, leading to the increased rainfall in eastern India.
States expected to experience heavy rainfall include Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka. Extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated in parts of Odisha, south Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Mahe. Eastern Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and south interior Karnataka are particularly vulnerable to torrential downpours.
The IMD warns of gusty winds and thunderstorms in several states including Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim, and the aforementioned regions.
While the IMD has not issued any specific alerts for northwest India, including Delhi-NCR, temperatures are expected to remain relatively stable for the next 24 hours, with a possible 3-4 degree Celsius fluctuation over the next four days. Delhi’s maximum temperature is predicted to reach 34°C and the minimum 16°C.
In contrast to the widespread rain, Gujarat is expected to experience high temperatures and humidity.
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