Thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain are expected across 15 states today, October 9. IMD’s mid-day bulletin highlights risks over Delhi–NCR, Bihar and Kerala, with gusty winds. Students with exams and commuters should plan buffers and carry rain gear. The forecast window is valid from 8:30 am today to 8:30 am tomorrow.
Which regions are most exposed today and Saturday, October 10? IMD indicates thunderstorms with lightning and gusts over Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim today. Parts of the Northeast are also primed. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Lakshadweep face storms and strong winds today. For Delhi–NCR, thunderstorms strengthen October 10–12; light rain remains possible today.
City-wise thunderstorm alert today: Delhi–NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Kerala
| Location | Risk today | Hazards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi–NCR | Low to moderate | Light rain, isolated lightning | Thunderstorm risk rises Oct 10–12. |
| Haryana, Punjab | Low | Light rain | Monitor weekend nowcasts. |
| Bihar | Elevated | Thunderstorms, lightning; gusts 30–40, gusting 50 kmph | Brief heavy rain possible. |
| Kerala | High | Thunderstorms; gusts 40–50, gusting 60 kmph; isolated heavy rain | Yellow alerts in nine districts. |
Delhi–NCR sits at the edge of today’s activity; keep rain protection handy. Bihar carries the sharpest band, with lightning and gusts during active cells. Kerala sees widespread showers with localised heavy spells and choppy seas. Haryana and Punjab stay showery today, with instability building this weekend.
Kerala yellow alert: nine districts and why it matters
IMD has placed nine Kerala districts under a yellow alert today. They are Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Yellow means be updated, not panic; localised heavy rain is possible. IMD defines heavy rain as 64.5–115.5 mm in 24 hours. Thunderstorms with 40–50 kmph gusts are also flagged today. Select coastal stretches carry swell advisories.
Commute and exam-day checklist for October 9
Leave 30–45 minutes earlier for morning and evening peaks. Check flight status and terminal advisories before leaving home. Prefer metro or rail over two-wheelers during lightning phases. Keep devices charged, carry a power bank, and seal documents. Bookmark exam helplines and centre contacts for rerouting support. Avoid underpasses and tree-lined shortcuts during downpours and crosswinds.
Track real-time IMD nowcasts and evening updates
Nowcasts refresh about every three hours; recheck after 3 pm and 6 pm. Use IMD’s district nowcast page, the Mausam app, and Damini for lightning. Kerala readers should also watch the State Disaster Management Authority advisories. Expect clearer Delhi–NCR thunderstorm guidance from Saturday, October 10, through Monday, October 12.
