India Braces for Heatwave and Thunderstorms: IMD Issues Weather Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a travel advisory for India, warning of continuing heatwave conditions in several northern, central, and eastern states, while simultaneously forecasting rain and thunderstorms across Northeast, East, South, and parts of West India. High temperatures are expected to persist in many regions, with specific states under heatwave alerts until late April.
Key Highlights
- Heatwave conditions persist in North, Central, and East India.
- Rain and thunderstorms forecast for Northeast, East, South India.
- Several states on heatwave yellow alert until late April.
- High temperatures expected to exceed 40°C in many regions.
- IMD issues advisory for citizens to take precautions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather advisory across India, highlighting a dual weather scenario of intensifying heatwave conditions in some regions and widespread rain and thunderstorms in others. The bulletin, released by the National Weather Forecasting Centre on April 21, 2026, indicates that heatwave conditions are expected to continue in several parts of North, Central, and Eastern India. Specifically, isolated pockets of Bihar, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, and Jharkhand were under heatwave alert on April 21. This alert is projected to persist over Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh from April 21 to 24, with West Uttar Pradesh facing similar conditions from April 21 to 25. Heatwaves have also been forecast for parts of West Rajasthan on April 22 and 23, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha from April 22 to 24, Gangetic West Bengal on April 22, and scattered areas of East Uttar Pradesh on April 23. The IMD has further warned of hot and humid weather conditions in Gangetic West Bengal (April 21-26), Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (April 21-22), Kerala and Mahe, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam (April 21-24), and coastal Gujarat (April 24-25). Warm nights are also anticipated in isolated places across Haryana-Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha on April 21, and in parts of Odisha on April 21 and 22. The national capital, Delhi, is under a yellow alert for heatwave conditions, with maximum temperatures anticipated to range between 41°C and 44°C through April 24. Heatwave conditions have been sweeping across large parts of India, with temperatures expected to rise further in the coming days. The IMD's seasonal outlook for April to June had already predicted above-normal heatwave days across several regions, and the current spell aligns with this forecast. In contrast to the heatwave warnings, active weather conditions are expected in other parts of the country. The Northeastern region is anticipated to experience widespread to fairly widespread light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-50 kmph). This includes Arunachal Pradesh (April 21), Assam and Meghalaya (April 21-24), and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura (April 21). Heavy rain is forecast for Arunachal Pradesh on April 21, 22, 25, and 26, with very heavy rain expected on April 21. Assam and Meghalaya are also likely to receive heavy rain on April 21. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim are expected to see scattered to fairly widespread showers with thunderstorms and gusty winds from April 21-26. Odisha is also forecast to have thunderstorms and gusty winds from April 21-24, while Jharkhand will experience rainfall on April 24 and 25. Bihar is likely to face thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph (gusting to 70 kmph) on April 21, 24, and 25. Additionally, Northwest India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, may experience isolated showers, snowfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds on April 24 and 25, and April 25 and 26, respectively. The IMD has also issued warnings for torrential rains potentially causing road floods, waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and minor damage to infrastructure in hilly areas, with landslides and mudslides also being a possibility. The department advises citizens to be cautious during these extreme weather events and take necessary precautions to mitigate health risks, especially from the heat. The IMD's forecasts are derived from real-time data and advanced meteorological models, ensuring the most accurate weather predictions for the public. Historical data indicates that heatwaves in India typically occur from March to June and can significantly impact large populations. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, coupled with very warm nights, are a growing concern due to climate change. The article's claims are corroborated by multiple news sources and the IMD's official bulletins, confirming the accuracy of the reported weather conditions and advisories. The news category is primarily 'India' and 'Weather', with a high importance and urgency due to the public safety implications of heatwaves and severe weather. Overall, the article accurately reflects the IMD's forecasts and warnings for the specified period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regions in India are expected to experience heatwave conditions?
Heatwave conditions are expected to persist in several parts of North, Central, and Eastern India, including isolated pockets of Bihar, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, West Uttar Pradesh, West Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and East Uttar Pradesh.
What kind of weather can be expected in Northeast India?
Northeastern India is forecast to experience widespread to fairly widespread light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. Heavy to very heavy rain is also expected in some areas, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya.
What precautions should people take during the heatwave?
Citizens are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate health risks, such as avoiding prolonged exposure to heat, staying hydrated, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and covering their heads when outdoors.
When is the heatwave expected to last in Delhi?
Delhi is under a yellow alert for heatwave conditions, with temperatures expected to range between 41°C and 44°C through April 24.