The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised concerns over the rapidly changing climate conditions across several parts of India. On Monday, April 21, 2025, the department issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds across multiple states, signalling a shift in atmospheric behaviour that experts attribute to both seasonal transitions and deeper environmental imbalances. The states flagged under the yellow warning include Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Meteorological officials confirmed that unstable upper air circulation patterns coupled with rising moisture levels have intensified thunderstorm activity in these regions. At the same time, heatwave warnings have been sounded for isolated pockets of Vidarbha in Maharashtra. The yellow alert for the region indicates temperature extremes capable of adversely impacting health, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those engaged in outdoor labour.
Across coastal regions like Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, high humidity combined with elevated daytime temperatures is expected to cause heat stress conditions, even in the absence of formal heatwave criteria. Environmental specialists note that such extremes reflect long-standing urbanisation pressures, where concrete-dominated landscapes and reduced tree cover aggravate thermal discomfort for city dwellers.
In the national capital, Delhi, Monday’s forecast offered slight respite. No heatwave-like condition has been predicted, with the IMD indicating that skies will remain partly cloudy through the evening. Surface wind speeds are projected to hover between 10 and 20 kmph, bringing moderate relief from peak daytime temperatures, which are expected to touch 39 to 41 degrees Celsius. Night temperatures may settle around 24 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Despite the immediate weather warnings, experts stress the need for a structural shift in climate preparedness strategies. According to climate researchers, frequent thunderstorm alerts combined with concurrent heatwave conditions in other regions demonstrate the growing intensity and unpredictability of weather patterns in India. “The intersection of sudden rainfall events with scorching temperatures in neighbouring zones is no longer a rare occurrence. It’s a worrying sign of erratic climate dynamics that cities and towns must prepare for more robustly,” said a senior environmental researcher working on regional climate resilience frameworks.
Civic bodies in affected states have been urged to ensure that urban infrastructure, especially in flood-prone districts, is ready to manage sudden downpours. At the same time, health departments are being advised to disseminate public advisories on hydration, shade access, and early symptoms of heat-related illness. As climate-linked risks become more frequent, experts and citizen groups alike are calling for cities to adopt nature-based solutions such as urban foresting, sustainable drainage systems, and rooftop greening to moderate both heat and flood risks.
Reducing carbon emissions, decentralising energy sources, and prioritising green infrastructure in vulnerable areas are also key recommendations being raised at both policy and grassroots levels. With India’s pre-monsoon phase now underway, the evolving weather scenario underscores the critical importance of cross-sectoral coordination—between meteorological departments, civic agencies, health institutions, and urban planning bodies. The IMD has advised state governments to remain on high alert and ensure disaster management protocols are activated wherever necessary.
While thunderstorms can provide temporary relief from soaring temperatures, sudden lightning and strong winds also pose risks to human safety, agriculture, and power infrastructure. The IMD’s alert acts as both a short-term warning and a long-term reminder of the urgent need to build climate-adaptive cities that prioritise both safety and sustainability.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, it was a sunny morning in Delhi with the air quality recorded in the 'poor' category. The minimum temperature was recorded at 20.9 degrees Celsius, 5.3 notches below the season's average, according to the weather department. The humidity was recorded at 59 per cent at 8.30 am. The IMD has forecast a clear sky during the day, and the maximum temperature is expected to settle around 40 degrees Celsius. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 227 at 9 am, indicating significant air pollution levels.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The poor air quality, coupled with rising temperatures, has prompted the Delhi government to roll out a comprehensive Heat Action Plan 2025 to tackle rising temperatures and heatwaves.
The plan includes special measures like installing 3,000 water coolers, halting points with sheds, and special heatstroke wards at hospitals. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated, “Our mission is to make Delhi heat-resilient, protect lives and make every season livable for its residents.” The government will also deploy 'Aapda Mitra' volunteers to help people during summer, showcasing its dedication to improving living conditions during the sweltering months.
The Chief Minister's virtual inauguration of three Cool Roof pilot projects at key locations across the city marks a significant step towards achieving these objectives. These projects, which are set to expand, aim at reducing indoor temperatures and thereby, the reliance on air conditioning.
The Heat Action Plan pays special attention to the city's most vulnerable sections, including low-income neighbourhoods, slum clusters, and areas prone to heatwaves. These regions often experience significantly higher temperatures compared to other parts of Delhi, making them critical targets for intervention. To combat this, the plan outlines the installation of 3,000 water coolers throughout the city, ensuring accessible drinking water for everyone, especially those in rural and underserved areas.
