IMD Issues Weather Alert: Contrasting Extremes Across India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released a comprehensive weather forecast highlighting a stark contrast in conditions across the nation. According to the latest bulletin, large swathes of North and Central India are bracing for persistent heatwave conditions, while the northeastern region is set to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Heatwave Conditions to Intensify in Plains
In its All India Weather Summary & Forecast Bulletin, issued by the National Weather Forecasting Centre in New Delhi on April 19, 2026, the IMD detailed the escalating heatwave scenario. The forecast indicates that isolated pockets over West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha will face heatwave conditions starting April 20.
Extended Heatwave Periods: The heatwave is expected to persist in East Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and East Madhya Pradesh until April 23. Additionally, West Uttar Pradesh will experience heatwave conditions from April 20 to 22, while West Rajasthan will endure similar conditions from April 20 to 23.
Regional Impact: Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Odisha are forecast to encounter heatwave conditions from April 21 to 23. Jharkhand will face heatwave on April 20 and 21. Maximum temperatures are projected to rise gradually, with an increase of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius expected over northwest India in the next seven days. Similarly, east India may see a temperature rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius up to April 21.
Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms in Northeast India
While parts of the country grapple with scorching heat, the northeastern states are preparing for significant rainfall activity. The IMD bulletin predicts fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya up to April 23.
Rainfall Forecast Details:
- Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura will experience similar conditions up to April 22.
- Assam and Meghalaya are expected to receive rains at some places until April 21.
- Arunachal Pradesh is likely to witness very heavy rainfall on April 20 and 21.
The heavy rains may lead to water logging in low-lying areas, disruptions in transport facilities, localized floods, and even landslides in vulnerable hilly regions.
Weather Patterns in Other Regions
Other parts of the country will also experience varied weather conditions over the next few days:
- Western Himalayas: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are likely to see rain, snowfall in elevated regions, thunderstorms, and windy conditions.
- Eastern India, Maharashtra, and Southern Peninsula: Some areas in these regions may also witness rainfall and thunderstorms.
The IMD attributes these diverse weather scenarios to various systems, including western disturbances and cyclonic circulations, which are influencing the current atmospheric conditions across India.
