IMD Weather Alert: Heatwave to Hit Several States; Rain and Thunderstorms Expected Across Regions
India is set to witness a mix of extreme weather conditions over the next few days, with scorching heat gripping several regions while others brace for rainfall and thunderstorms. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its latest All India Weather Summary released on April 21, 2026, has highlighted a sharp contrast in weather patterns across the country.
Heatwave Conditions to Persist Across Key States
The IMD has cautioned that intense heatwave conditions will continue to affect large parts of northern, central, and eastern India.
The heat is expected to spread further in the coming days:
Residents in these regions are advised to take precautions as temperatures remain significantly above normal.
Northeast to Witness Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms
While heat dominates one side of the country, the Northeast is gearing up for active rainfall and stormy conditions.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Arunachal Pradesh on multiple days, including April 21, 22, 25, and 26, while Assam and Meghalaya may receive heavy showers on April 21.
Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Across Eastern and Himalayan Regions
Several eastern and sub-Himalayan areas will experience unstable weather conditions:
Bihar could face intense thundersqualls, with wind speeds reaching 50–60 kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph on April 21, 24, and 25.
In the northwestern Himalayan region, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh are likely to see rain, snowfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds between April 24 and 26.
Southern States to See Rain, Lightning and Humidity
Southern India will also experience a mix of rainfall and humid conditions:
Additionally, parts of Maharashtra, including Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada, may witness light rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds from April 21 to 24. Lightning is also expected in Konkan and Goa on April 21 and 23.
Hot and Humid Conditions to Add Discomfort
Apart from heatwaves and storms, several regions will face uncomfortable hot and humid weather:
Warm night conditions are also likely in parts of Haryana-Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Odisha during this period.
What This Means for Travellers
With extreme heat in some areas and heavy rainfall in others, travel plans may require extra caution. Heatwave-hit regions may pose health risks during daytime travel, while thunderstorms and gusty winds could disrupt transport services in rain-affected areas.
Staying updated with local forecasts and planning accordingly will be crucial over the next few days as India experiences this diverse and dynamic weather pattern.
Heatwave Conditions to Persist Across Key States
The IMD has cautioned that intense heatwave conditions will continue to affect large parts of northern, central, and eastern India.
- On April 21, isolated areas in Bihar, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are likely to face extreme heat.
- The warning remains active in Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh until April 24.
- West Uttar Pradesh could see prolonged heatwave conditions lasting till April 25.
The heat is expected to spread further in the coming days:
- West Rajasthan: April 22–23
- Madhya Pradesh and Odisha: April 22–24
- Gangetic West Bengal: April 22
- East Uttar Pradesh (isolated areas): April 23
Residents in these regions are advised to take precautions as temperatures remain significantly above normal.
Northeast to Witness Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms
While heat dominates one side of the country, the Northeast is gearing up for active rainfall and stormy conditions.
- Arunachal Pradesh will experience widespread rain with thunderstorms and strong winds on April 21.
- Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive similar weather from April 21 to 24.
- Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura will also see rain and lightning, especially on April 21, with continued lightning activity on April 22 and 23.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Arunachal Pradesh on multiple days, including April 21, 22, 25, and 26, while Assam and Meghalaya may receive heavy showers on April 21.
Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Across Eastern and Himalayan Regions
Several eastern and sub-Himalayan areas will experience unstable weather conditions:
- Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim: Showers and thunderstorms from April 21–26
- Odisha: April 21–24
- Jharkhand: April 24
- Gangetic West Bengal: April 26
Bihar could face intense thundersqualls, with wind speeds reaching 50–60 kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph on April 21, 24, and 25.
In the northwestern Himalayan region, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh are likely to see rain, snowfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds between April 24 and 26.
Southern States to See Rain, Lightning and Humidity
Southern India will also experience a mix of rainfall and humid conditions:
- Kerala and Mahe: Rain and thunderstorms on April 21–22
- Karnataka, Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema: Similar conditions from April 21–24
- Tamil Nadu: Lightning activity expected between April 21–23
- Coastal and North Interior Karnataka: Lightning likely from April 21–24
Additionally, parts of Maharashtra, including Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada, may witness light rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds from April 21 to 24. Lightning is also expected in Konkan and Goa on April 21 and 23.
Hot and Humid Conditions to Add Discomfort
Apart from heatwaves and storms, several regions will face uncomfortable hot and humid weather:
- Gangetic West Bengal: April 21–26
- Tamil Nadu and Puducherry: April 21–22
- Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam: April 21–24
- Coastal Gujarat: April 24–25
Warm night conditions are also likely in parts of Haryana-Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Odisha during this period.
What This Means for Travellers
With extreme heat in some areas and heavy rainfall in others, travel plans may require extra caution. Heatwave-hit regions may pose health risks during daytime travel, while thunderstorms and gusty winds could disrupt transport services in rain-affected areas.
Staying updated with local forecasts and planning accordingly will be crucial over the next few days as India experiences this diverse and dynamic weather pattern.
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