IMD issues alerts for thunderstorms and heatwaves

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rainfall alert for northeastern states and West Bengal during Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha Elections. Heavy rain has hit Kolkata and other districts in West Bengal, leading to a drop in temperatures and strong gusty winds. Thunderstorms are expected to persist in the region over the next few days, with six fatalities reported in south Bengal due to thunderstorms.

The weather pattern is influenced by a cyclonic circulation over south Jharkhand and moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, resulting in thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in various districts of West Bengal. An orange alert for a heatwave has been issued in 14 Karnataka districts where polling is ongoing on May 7, with the Election Commission making arrangements to address the heat at polling centers. Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has issued a red alert for five districts in Karnataka until May 9. Bengaluru may also experience light rain in the upcoming days.

Thunderstorms and rain have brought relief from the heatwave in certain areas of Odisha, with Bolangir town recording the highest temperature in the state at 44.5 degrees Celsius. IMD officials have predicted a heatwave in Rajasthan from May 7 to 10, with the potential for loo conditions following the hot weather, and light rain expected in some regions from May 10 to 11. Most districts in Tamil Nadu have been experiencing above-normal temperatures, with heatwave conditions likely to persist in the eastern and southern states until May 9.