IMD has issued rain, thunderstorm, lightning and gusty wind alerts for several parts of India on May 15, 2026. The latest IMD press release says multiple weather systems are active, including a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, western disturbances and troughs across central and eastern India. These systems are creating sudden rain, squally winds, lightning and local storm risk across different regions.
This is not a normal “it may rain” update that people should ignore. IMD has warned of thundersqualls with winds reaching 50–60 kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph over Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan on May 15. Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are also listed under thundersquall alerts on different dates, which means travel, farming and outdoor activity need extra caution.
Which States Need Maximum Caution?
The highest immediate concern is in regions facing both thunderstorm and strong wind risk. Northwest India, east India, central India and parts of the south are all seeing active warnings. Delhi-NCR is also expected to see very light to light rain with thunderstorm, lightning and strong winds gusting up to 60 kmph during the evening or night of May 15.
People should not treat state-level alerts as exact local forecasts for every village or city. Weather can change sharply district by district, especially during pre-monsoon storms. The smarter move is to check district-level alerts before travelling, sending children outdoors, planning farming work or moving through areas that often face waterlogging.
| Region | IMD Alert Signal | What People Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan | Thundersquall up to 70 kmph | Avoid travel during storm window |
| Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh | Thunderstorm, lightning and squally winds | Stay indoors and secure loose items |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Heavy rain and 70 kmph gust risk | Avoid risky coastal movement |
| Sub-Himalayan WB & Sikkim | Heavy rain risk | Watch for waterlogging and landslide-prone areas |
| Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka | Heavy rain in parts | Avoid vulnerable structures and flooded roads |
Where Is Heavy Rain Expected?
IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Kerala & Mahe, Lakshadweep and South Interior Karnataka on different dates between May 15 and May 21. Very heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places over south Assam on May 15, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on May 16 and 17, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on May 17.
This means the risk is not only strong wind. Heavy rain can create waterlogging, poor visibility, traffic disruption, minor road damage and danger near low-lying areas. IMD’s action advice specifically warns people to avoid places that often face waterlogging and avoid staying in vulnerable structures during such weather.
What Should Families Do Now?
Families should prepare before the storm begins, not after the sky turns black. Close windows and doors, move children and elderly people indoors, charge phones, keep emergency numbers ready and avoid parking vehicles under weak trees. IMD has advised people to stay indoors, avoid travel if possible, avoid sheltering under trees and unplug electrical or electronic appliances during lightning.
The biggest mistake is stepping outside to “see the storm.” That is not bravery; that is stupidity. Lightning, flying objects, falling branches and broken power lines can become dangerous within minutes. If you are already outside, move to a proper building or enclosed vehicle, not a tree, open shed, metal gate or water body.
Quick safety checklist:
- Avoid travel during thunderstorm and strong wind periods.
- Stay away from trees, poles, tin sheds and weak walls.
- Do not use open fields, rooftops or balconies for storm videos.
- Unplug expensive electronics during lightning activity.
- Avoid flooded underpasses, low-lying roads and waterlogged areas.
- Keep farm animals indoors during thunderstorm warnings.
Why Is Lightning The Biggest Silent Threat?
Lightning is dangerous because people underestimate it until it is too late. IMD’s safety advice says people should not lie on concrete floors, should not lean against concrete walls, should keep away from objects that conduct electricity and should immediately get out of water bodies during thunderstorm activity. These are simple rules, but many people still ignore them.
Farmers, delivery workers, construction workers and two-wheeler riders face higher risk because they are often outdoors when weather suddenly changes. If thunder begins, continuing work in an open field or riding through strong wind is a bad decision. Losing 20 minutes by waiting safely is better than risking injury for false urgency.
Conclusion?
IMD rain alert today is serious because several states are facing a mix of rain, lightning, thundersquall, heavy rainfall and strong winds. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim and parts of southern India need extra caution depending on local warnings. People should follow district-level updates and avoid unnecessary outdoor movement during storm hours.
The blunt takeaway is simple: weather alerts are not decoration. They are issued because damage, injury and travel disruption are possible. Stay indoors, secure loose items, avoid trees and electric poles, and do not trust random social media updates over IMD warnings.
FAQs?
Which States Have IMD Rain Alert Today?
IMD has issued thunderstorm, lightning, gusty wind and rain alerts for several regions, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim and parts of south India. The exact risk varies by date and district, so local alerts should be checked before travel.
Is There A 70 Kmph Wind Alert Today?
Yes, IMD has warned of thundersqualls with wind speeds reaching 50–60 kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph over Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan on May 15. Similar thundersquall warnings also apply to Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands on listed dates.
What Should People Avoid During Lightning?
People should avoid standing under trees, leaning against concrete walls, lying on concrete floors, staying near electric poles and remaining in water bodies during lightning. IMD also advises unplugging electrical appliances and staying indoors when thunderstorms are active.
Can Heavy Rain Cause Travel Problems?
Yes, heavy rain can cause waterlogging, traffic congestion, poor visibility, road disruption and danger in low-lying areas. IMD has advised people to check traffic congestion before leaving, follow advisories and avoid areas that frequently face waterlogging.