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The India Meteorological Department’s morning guidance flags a nine-hour thunderstorm–lightning risk today, Friday, August 28. The most active window overlaps peak commute hours. Gusty winds of 40–60 kmph are likely in several belts. Thundersqualls of 50–60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, are possible near Andaman. The focus includes nearby Nicobar waters.
Daytime probabilities are highest across Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal. Sub‑Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim also stay active today. East Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and both Madhya Pradesh belts are in watch. North Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema face storm chances. In the northeast, several states retain risk through the day. Jharkhand and Bihar are flagged for stronger lightning potential.
IMD nowcast: how to track live and verify risk
IMD issues three‑hour nowcasts that refresh through the day, while daily warnings run 0830–0830 IST. Track live risk on IMD’s district and station Nowcast maps. For alerts on the go, use Mausam for forecasts and Damini for lightning.
| Region | Hazard today | Wind potential |
|---|---|---|
| Bihar | Thunderstorm, lightning; heavy pockets possible | Lightning focus; variable gusts |
| Jharkhand | Thunderstorm, lightning | Lightning focus; variable gusts |
| Odisha | Thunderstorm, lightning; very heavy isolated | 40–50 kmph, gusting 60 kmph |
| Gangetic West Bengal (Kolkata belt) | Thunderstorm, lightning | Gusty winds possible |
| East Uttar Pradesh | Thunderstorm, lightning | 30–40 kmph, gusting 50 kmph |
| Chhattisgarh | Thunderstorm, lightning | Gusty winds possible |
| Madhya Pradesh (east, west) | Thunderstorm, lightning | Gusty winds possible |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Thundersqualls possible | 50–60 kmph, gusting 70 kmph |
| North Interior Karnataka | Thunderstorm, lightning | 40–50 kmph gusts |
| Coastal Andhra–Rayalaseema | Thunderstorm, lightning | 40–50 kmph gusts |
| Northeast states cluster | Thunderstorm, lightning | Gusty winds possible |
Thunderstorm–lightning alert: commute and airport watch
Allow extra time at airports and on Metro corridors during active cells. Lightning can trigger ramp holds and speed restrictions. Avoid underpasses prone to waterlogging near stations and flyovers. Two‑wheeler riders should avoid elevated sections during gusts. If driving, slow before squalls, keep distance, and park clear of trees and hoardings.
Thunderstorm–lightning alert: dos and don’ts that save lives
At first thunder, move indoors and follow the 30/30 rule. Avoid trees, open fields and rooftops. Unplug appliances and avoid wired devices and plumbing. Stay off balconies and metal rails. If someone is struck, they carry no charge; begin CPR and call 112. These steps reflect National Disaster Management Authority guidance.
Plan morning and evening travel around live nowcasts, not static forecasts. Check radar, nowcast maps and lightning alerts hourly, especially across Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bengal, East Uttar Pradesh and adjoining central belts. If conditions ease, IMD maps will show it. If cells intensify, alerts will escalate quickly through the day.