The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather forecast for the nation, detailing significant meteorological activity expected across various regions. In its All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin released by the National Weather Forecasting Centre at 0800 IST on April 21, 2026, the IMD highlights a dual pattern of extreme weather conditions.
Heat Wave Conditions to Persist in Multiple States
Heat wave conditions are forecast to continue over several parts of north, central, and eastern India. On April 21, isolated pockets of Bihar, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are likely to experience these severe temperatures.
Extended Heat Wave Warnings
The warning remains in effect from April 21 to 24 over Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh. Additionally, West Uttar Pradesh may face heat wave conditions from April 21 to 25. Further forecasts indicate heat waves in 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.
Rainfall and Thunderstorm Activity Across Regions
In contrast, rain and thunderstorm activity is anticipated across the Northeast, East, South, and parts of West India. The Northeast region is expected to see widespread to fairly widespread light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds blowing at speeds of 30-50 kmph.
Detailed Rainfall Predictions for Northeast
Arunachal Pradesh will experience these conditions on April 21, Assam and Meghalaya from April 21 to 24, and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura on April 21. Lightning activity is also forecast over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura on April 22 and 23. Heavy rain is expected in Arunachal Pradesh on April 21, 22, 25, and 26, with very heavy rain on April 21. Assam and Meghalaya may see heavy rain on April 21.
Showers in Other Parts of India
Isolated to scattered showers with thunderstorms and gusty winds are predicted over Sub Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim during April 21-26, over Odisha during April 21-24, over Jharkhand on April 24, and over Gangetic West Bengal on April 26. Bihar is likely to experience thundersqualls with wind speeds varying from 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph on April 21, 24, and 25.
Weather Patterns in Northwest and South India
Northwest India will witness isolated to scattered showers, snowfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on April 24 and 25, and over Himachal Pradesh on April 25 and 26.
Southern Region Forecast
In the south, isolated light to moderate rains with thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected over Kerala and Mahe on April 21 and 22. Similar weather conditions have been forecast over South Interior Karnataka, Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, and Rayalaseema for the period April 21-24. Lightning is anticipated over Tamil Nadu during April 21-23 and Coastal Karnataka and North Interior Karnataka during April 21-24.
Additional Weather Warnings and Conditions
Light showers with thunderstorm activity and squally wind activity are expected in Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada from April 21 to 24, while lightning is forecast in Konkan and Goa on April 21 and 23.
Hot and Humid Weather Alerts
The IMD has also issued warnings regarding hot and humid weather conditions in Gangetic West Bengal between April 21 and 26, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on April 21 and 22, Kerala and Mahe, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam from April 21 to 24, and coastal Gujarat on April 24 and 25. Warm nights are likely to occur at some isolated places in Haryana-Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha on April 21, and at some isolated places in Odisha on April 21 and 22.
This forecast underscores the diverse and extreme weather patterns affecting India, with heat waves posing risks in several states while other regions brace for significant rainfall and storm activity. Residents are advised to stay updated with local weather advisories and take necessary precautions.
