Key Weather Highlights
- High-Speed Winds: Storms gusting between 75 and 80 km/h expected across 15 states.
- Regional Alerts: Dust storm warnings for Delhi-NCR and heavy rain alerts for UP and Bihar.
- Hilly Terrain: Yellow Alert issued for Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh due to snow and wind.
- Atmospheric Drivers: Weather shifts caused by a cyclonic circulation and a low-pressure trough.
- Upcoming Forecast: Rain alerts extended to Rajasthan for May 12.
According to the latest briefing from the Meteorological Department, weather conditions are set to deteriorate significantly across 15 states today, May 11, 2026. Within a critical 12-hour window, stormy winds gusting at speeds of 75 to 80 kilometers per hour are expected to sweep through these regions, sparking concerns regarding infrastructure damage and disruptions to daily commutes.
The IMD has specifically urged residents in Eastern India and the northern hilly states to remain vigilant. These areas face an elevated risk of intense hailstorms and frequent lightning strikes. While much of the country battles these turbulent conditions, the department noted that temperatures will remain high in several other states, creating a complex weather map of heat and storms.
Delhi-NCR and the Northern Plains
A localized alert for dust storms and moderate rain has been issued for the National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi. Forecasters predict wind speeds in the capital will fluctuate between 40 and 50 km/h, which may impact air quality and visibility. Despite the impending rain, the maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to reach approximately 36 degrees Celsius.
In neighboring Uttar Pradesh, the weather office has identified several high-risk districts. Mathura, Agra, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Lucknow are all under warnings for heavy rain and sudden squalls. Similarly, Bihar is bracing for significant precipitation, with Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur placed under a ‘heavy rain’ alert. In Patna, the mercury is expected to settle near 35 degrees Celsius today.
Snowfall in the Highlands and Eastern Turbulence
The weather shift is proving particularly challenging for the tourism sector in the Himalayas. A ‘Yellow Alert’ is currently active for Uttarakhand, specifically targeting the districts of Nainital and Pithoragarh. In Himachal Pradesh, cities like Shimla and Kullu are bracing for winds gusting up to 70 kilometers per hour, while Manali is seeing a sharp temperature dip, with minimums potentially hitting 3 degrees Celsius.
Further east, Jharkhand is preparing for high-intensity winds. Cities such as Ranchi and Jamshedpur are expected to experience speeds of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour. Meanwhile, in the northwest, Punjab continues to see atmospheric instability, with moderate to heavy rainfall anticipated in industrial and agricultural hubs like Amritsar and Ludhiana.
Meteorological Causes and Future Outlook
Meteorologists attribute this widespread instability to a combination of distinct atmospheric phenomena. A powerful cyclonic circulation has formed, stretching from North-Eastern Bihar to Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Simultaneously, a trough, or elongated low-pressure area, is cutting through the lower tropospheric levels from South-Eastern Rajasthan to West Bengal.
This convergence is driving moisture levels higher and causing rapid changes in wind pressure. The impact of these systems is expected to persist into tomorrow, May 12, with rain alerts already issued for Rajasthan, including the cities of Jaipur and Bikaner.
