The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather alert, indicating a dual threat of heatwaves and heavy rainfall across various parts of India over the coming week. As temperatures soar in many regions, others brace for thunderstorms and heavy downpours, potentially disrupting daily life.
Heatwave conditions are expected to persist in Central India and the plains of northwest India until April 29, 2025, with eastern regions affected until April 26, 2025. The IMD forecasts a gradual increase in maximum temperatures by 2-3°C across northwest and east India. Meanwhile, the northeast is preparing for heavy rainfall until April 27, 2025.
Mahesh Palawat, vice president of climate and meteorology at Skymet Weather, stated, "Winds have changed to westerly and north-westerly direction so we are expecting a gradual increase in temperatures. Heat wave conditions may set in. Delhi is likely to record up to 42°C maximum temperature." A yellow alert has been issued for most parts of North-West and central India on April 24 and 25, while an orange alert has been issued for several Eastern and Southern states, including Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha, over the next two days.
The IMD has specifically highlighted areas at risk for heatwave conditions. These include West Madhya Pradesh and West Rajasthan until April 29, 2025; East Madhya Pradesh until April 27; Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal until April 26; Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and East Rajasthan until April 29; Chhattisgarh until April 25; and Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada on April 24 and 25.
In addition to the heat, warm night conditions are anticipated in isolated areas of Bihar until April 25, Odisha on April 24, and Gangetic West Bengal on April 24 and 25. On April 23, 2025, maximum temperatures soared above 43°C in several regions, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh, with Brahmapuri in Maharashtra recording the highest temperature of 45.6°C.
On the preceding day, maximum temperatures ranged between 42-46°C across east Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh, with Jharsuguda in Odisha reaching a scorching 46.2°C. Temperatures between 38-42°C were also reported across Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and parts of Punjab.
As the heat continues, a fresh spell of rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected over east India starting April 26, 2025. Widespread precipitation, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h (gusting to 60 km/h), is forecast across northeast India for the following week. Multiple weather systems, including cyclonic circulations over east Bihar, northeast Assam, and south coastal Tamil Nadu, alongside a north-south trough from north Chhattisgarh to the Gulf of Mannar, will contribute to heavy rainfall in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh until April 27, 2025, and in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura until April 26, 2025.
Additionally, heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated from April 22 to 26, 2025, in northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. On April 23, 2025, thunderstorms are expected in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, with wind speeds potentially reaching 30 to 50 km/h. Southern states, such as Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, are also likely to experience rainfall accompanied by strong winds.
A western disturbance is anticipated to impact northern states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, leading to lightning, thunderstorms, and strong winds (up to 50 km/h). Rainfall is expected in parts of central Maharashtra on April 24 and 25, 2025, while Gujarat may witness heavy rainfall between April 22 and 24, 2025.
Notably, Chandrapur in Vidarbha recorded the highest temperature in the country at 44.6°C on April 20, 2025. Northwestern India is expected to see temperatures rise by 2-3°C over the next six days, while Central India and Gujarat could experience a 2°C increase over the next three days. Eastern India might see a more significant rise of 4 to 6°C.
Heatwave alerts have been issued for 11 states, including:
- East Rajasthan: April 22–26, 2025
- Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Odisha: April 22–25, 2025
- Punjab: April 23–25, 2025
- Gangetic West Bengal, West Rajasthan: April 23–26, 2025
- Bihar, Jharkhand: April 25–26, 2025
In the Delhi-NCR region, the weather is expected to remain dry for the next three days, with maximum temperatures predicted to rise up to 42°C. Over the past 24 hours, maximum temperatures ranged between 38°C to 40°C, while minimum temperatures hovered around 25°C to 26°C.
The IMD's warnings highlight the need for citizens to prepare for extreme weather conditions, with both heat and heavy rainfall posing significant risks. As the country navigates these challenging weather patterns, officials urge residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.