NEW CHANDIGARH, MAY 29 — The India Meteorological Department has issued an urgent red alert for severe thunderstorms and destructive winds on Friday, jeopardizing the IPL Qualifier 2 clash between the Gujarat Titans and the Rajasthan Royals.
The weather warning includes forecasts for torrential rain, isolated hailstorms, and severe wind gusts between 70 and 80 kmph, with peak speeds reaching 90 kmph. Regional weather models show the heaviest atmospheric disruption occurring between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., threatening the exact window for the 7:30 p.m. knockout fixture. Under tournament guidelines, a total washout will eliminate Rajasthan, sending Gujarat directly to the Sunday final in Ahmedabad due to their higher net run rate from the league stage.
The severe weather front has moved unevenly across the region, heavily soaking southern areas while leaving the immediate match venue temporarily dry. Morning reports showed substantial rain across Haryana, where Mahendragarh received 18.5 mm and Gurugram tracked 7 mm. Punjab remained dry save for a minor shower in Bathinda, while the Tricity area enjoyed a temporary break from intense heat under thick cloud cover.
“We are monitoring a highly volatile atmospheric pattern that threatens standing structures and public safety,” a senior district administration official affirmed. “We strongly advise commuters and cricket fans to seek sturdy indoor shelter, avoid parking near weak trees or power lines, and suspend outdoor operations until the squall line passes.”
The storm system has successfully broken the multi-day regional heatwave by pulling cooler air into the plains. Overnight temperatures dropped across the board, with Chandigarh logging 23 degrees Celsius and Mohali hitting 24.2 degrees Celsius. Bathinda touched a low of 22.4 degrees Celsius to lead the cooling trend in Punjab.
The regional weather observatory expects maximum temperatures to drop significantly on Friday, staying well below the 40-degree mark. Heavy rain risks will continue through Saturday under an orange alert status, accompanied by 60 kmph gusts. Conditions will stabilize by Sunday afternoon with mild cloud cover, though meteorologists warn that intense summer heatwaves will resume by the middle of next week.
