Orange alert issued in India including Kedarnath as IMD warns of storms, heatwave, and snowfall. Travel restrictions in Uttarakhand; pilgrims advised to stay alert and check updates.

What is an Orange Alert in Weather?

An Orange Alert (also called "Be Prepared") is the second-highest warning level in India's IMD four-colour system: Green → Yellow → Orange → Red.

An Orange Alert indicates that people should be prepared for potentially disruptive weather conditions. The IMD advises residents to avoid open areas during thunderstorms, stay away from trees, electric poles, and weak structures, and secure loose objects that may be blown away by strong winds.

The colour codes mean:

• Green — No action needed

• Yellow — Be aware / watch

• Orange — Be prepared / disruption likely

• Red — Take action / severe threat

Latest News: Orange Alert Across India

Eastern India — Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand

IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava told ANI on April 28 that an orange alert for thunderstorms has been issued for Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, with severe thunderstorms expected with wind speeds up to 60 km/h and possible hail. He also noted that northeastern states were likely to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next week, with red alerts issued for Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh

The IMD has sounded an orange alert for thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty winds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour at isolated places across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Delhi NCR — Heatwave + Orange Alert

Delhi NCR is facing an extreme heatwave at 43–45°C under an IMD Orange Alert, with dry winds and clear skies. A western disturbance may trigger late evening thunderstorms, light drizzle, and dust storms amid unstable pre-monsoon conditions and high heat stress.

Local authorities implemented their Heat Wave Action Plan 2026, with "Loo" wind conditions producing hot dusty winds reaching speeds of 50 kmph. The protocol requires people to stay indoors between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Karnataka — Bengaluru, Mysuru & More

According to IMD forecast, South Interior Karnataka is expected to bear the brunt of weather activity, with thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph likely at a few places from April 28 to May 1, 2026. This region includes key districts such as Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Mysuru, Mandya, Tumakuru, Kolar, and Hassan.

Kedarnath Orange Alert — Latest Update

Active Orange Alert: Hailstorm Warning

AccuWeather is currently showing an Orange Alert for Hailstorm at Kedarnath, with mostly cloudy skies, snow showers expected late morning followed by periods of snow and rain in the afternoon. The high is around 41°F (5°C) and tonight will see an evening flurry with a low of 28°F (−2°C).

Snowfall & Freezing Conditions

High-altitude regions including Kedarnath Dham, Badrinath Dham, Hemkund Sahib, Auli, Gaurso, and Chopta have recorded light snowfall followed by rain. The IMD has predicted snowfall in areas above 3,300 metres. Kedarnath Dham remains covered under nearly four feet of snow, keeping the chill intact.

Today's weather in Kedarnath is forecast to feature moderate or heavy snow showers, with a maximum of 4°C and a minimum of −9°C. Humidity is around 87% and there is a 96% probability of precipitation, with approximately 23mm expected.

IMD Warning for Uttarakhand

The IMD has forecast isolated to scattered thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (reaching 40–50 kmph) over Uttarakhand from April 28 through May 3, with isolated hailstorm activity also likely over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Pilgrim Advisory — Kedarnath Yatra 2026

Due to heavy snowfall and rain in Kedarnath, pilgrims are currently not allowed from Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Rishikesh, and Srinagar. Pilgrims are advised to visit Badrinath before Kedarnath until the weather improves.

With orange and yellow alerts in place, pilgrims heading to Kedarnath and Badrinath are advised to prepare for snowfall and cold conditions. The unpredictable weather highlights the need for safety and preparedness across Uttarakhand.

Coming Days Forecast for Kedarnath

Temperatures in Kedarnath are expected to hover around 2°C on Tuesday, 0°C on Wednesday and Thursday, dropping to −1°C by next Monday — a sustained cold spell through the week.

Key Takeaway for Pilgrims: The orange alert for hailstorms is active right now at Kedarnath. Entry restrictions are in place from major checkpoints. Do not proceed without checking the latest updates from the Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority or registering at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.