Thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain are expected across 15 states on Friday, according to the India Meteorological Department's mid-day bulletin.

Bihar carries the sharpest band, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusts of 30 to 40 kmph, gusting to 50 kmph, and possible brief heavy rain.

Kerala faces widespread showers with localised heavy spells and strong winds, with yellow alerts in nine districts. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Lakshadweep also face storms.

The Northeast, including Bihar's neighbours Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim, is primed for lightning and gusty winds.

For Delhi-NCR, light rain remains possible today, with thunderstorm risk strengthening between October 10 and 12.

The forecast window runs from 8:30 am on October 9 to 8:30 am on October 10. Commuters and students with exams have been advised to plan buffers and carry rain gear. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms and lightning in 18 Bihar districts on Friday, with improvement expected from October 10.