Severe Weather Alert Issued for 21 States in India

On March 19, 2026, the Indian Meteorological Department issued a severe weather warning for 21 states, predicting dust storms, heavy rainfall, and hail. The weather shift, caused by a western disturbance, is expected to bring relief from the heat but also poses risks of damage. Key states affected include Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, with alerts for strong winds and thunderstorms. Residents are advised to take precautions, especially farmers and travelers. Stay informed about the evolving weather conditions as the situation develops.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 14:18 IST

Weather Conditions on March 19, 2026

On March 19, 2026, the weather has taken a sudden turn. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for 21 states regarding dust storms, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail, along with winds reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h. While this change may provide relief from the heat, it also poses risks of damage. The impact is attributed to a western disturbance and other seasonal systems affecting the northwestern, central, eastern, and some southern states.

States Affected and Key Alerts

According to the latest press release and updates from the IMD, weather activity will remain significant from March 19 to 22. The warning encompasses a total of 21 states across northwestern, central, eastern India, and others:

Northwestern India: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand – Expect dust storms, thunderstorms, light to moderate rain, and winds of 40-60 km/h (with gusts reaching 70-80 km/h in some areas).

Central and Eastern India: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim – Thunder squalls with winds of 50-70 km/h (gusts up to 80 km/h), hail, and heavy rain are anticipated.

Other Regions: Alerts for winds of 60-80 km/h on March 20-21 in Vidarbha, eastern Madhya Pradesh, and the plains of West Bengal.

Situation in Rajasthan (including Jaipur): Partly cloudy conditions are expected in Jaipur this morning, with thunderstorms or rain likely in the evening or night. Wind speeds of 40-50 km/h, with higher gusts in some areas. Yellow/Orange alerts are in effect for several districts (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Bharatpur, etc.), where hail and strong winds may occur. Maximum temperatures will hover around 30°C, showing a decline from the following day.

Reasons for the Weather Shift

Active Western Disturbance affecting northwestern India.

Cyclonic systems in central and eastern regions.

Strong upper-level jet streams and a trough line at lower levels.

Pre-monsoon activity causing thunderstorms in southern and central India.

This sudden change brings relief from the heat but poses risks to open areas, agriculture, travel, and buildings.

IMD Warnings and Impacts

Strong Winds: Winds of 50-70 km/h, with gusts up to 80 km/h in several locations – risks include falling trees, lightning strikes, and flying debris.

Hail: Expected in Himachal, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, etc., from March 18-21.

Rain: Light to moderate rain, with heavy showers in some areas – snowfall is also possible in Uttarakhand and Himachal.

Relief: Relief from the dusty heat in Delhi-NCR, UP, and Rajasthan, with temperatures potentially dropping by 3-5°C.

Precautions and Advice

Exercise caution when outdoors, especially in open fields or construction sites.

Avoid standing under trees due to the risk of lightning.

Farmers are advised to secure their crops.

Check weather updates while traveling, as flights may be affected.

In Jaipur, local storms may occur in the evening, so secure household items.