IMD Warns of Thunderstorm, Lightning in Guwahati Today

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Guwahati issued a short-term alert on Thursday afternoon, warning of an approaching thunderstorm that may bring lightning, gusty winds, and light to moderate rain. The alert is specifically for parts of Kamrup and Kamrup Metropolitan districts, including Guwahati city, and is expected to remain in effect for the next three hours. According to IMD officials, cloud formations over western Assam have intensified rapidly due to rising surface temperatures and moisture accumulation in the lower atmosphere. The sudden weather change is a typical pre-monsoon phenomenon in the region. The department has advised residents in the affected areas to remain indoors and avoid travel during the anticipated storm period. Guwahati city has been experiencing rising temperatures and humid conditions over the past week. The sudden shift in weather is expected to bring temporary relief from the heat, but officials have warned that lightning strikes and strong winds could pose safety risks, especially in open areas and near trees or electric poles. The alert has prompted city authorities to initiate precautionary measures. The Kamrup Metropolitan District Administration has asked all emergency response teams to remain on standby. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation has also issued public advisories through digital billboards and mobile alerts urging citizens to stay alert and avoid waterlogged or low-lying zones. Several residents across Guwahati reported seeing dark cloud cover and a noticeable drop in temperature by late afternoon. Winds have already picked up in parts of the city, particularly in areas like Beltola, Maligaon, and Zoo Road. IMD officials have said these initial signs are consistent with their radar-based forecasts, and thunderstorm activity is expected to increase soon. Schools in the city that were still in session have been instructed to keep children indoors until further updates are received. Traffic officials have also been deployed at key junctions to manage flow in case of sudden weather-related disruptions. Power distribution companies are on alert to respond to any outages caused by falling branches or lightning strikes. This alert is part of IMD’s enhanced nowcasting efforts, where real-time data and satellite inputs are used to issue localised, short-duration warnings. IMD Guwahati Director Dr. Sanjay O’Neil stated that the system helps mitigate risks during fast-changing weather conditions, especially in urban centers like Guwahati where infrastructure and traffic density can exacerbate the impact of storms. Residents have taken to social media to share photos and videos of the gathering storm clouds and swirling winds. Many expressed concern about the increasing frequency of short-term weather events, pointing to the need for stronger city-level preparedness. While pre-monsoon storms are not new to Assam, their unpredictability and intensity have increased in recent years, according to local environmentalists. Guwahati-based disaster management expert Prof. Amlan Hazarika noted that while the alert period is short, it is crucial for citizens to take it seriously. He said the combination of gusty winds and lightning can be deadly and urged people to stay away from open grounds, rooftops, and metal structures. He also emphasized the importance of digital alert systems that ensure even remote households receive timely information. Looking ahead, IMD forecasts suggest a continuation of unstable weather over the next few days as the region transitions into its monsoon phase. Meteorologists have indicated that such sudden thunderstorms could occur intermittently and have advised residents to monitor daily updates from the weather department. As Guwahati braces for the incoming storm, officials, emergency workers, and citizens remain alert. The next few hours are expected to be critical, and all eyes are on the skies as the city waits to see the full impact of the forecast.