After weeks of scorching temperatures, a significant shift in weather patterns is expected across northern and central India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that the prevailing heatwave conditions will begin to ease from April 28, ushering in a period of rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
Relief for North India
Regions including Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana are all forecast to experience rough weather. Temperatures are predicted to dip by 2-3°C over the coming days, offering much-needed respite from the intense heat.
This change is attributed to a cyclonic circulation currently located over central Pakistan, northwest Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. Mahesh Palawat of Skymet indicated that this system is strengthening and moving towards northeast India. Parts of Rajasthan and Haryana could see rainfall as early as tonight, with the system expected to impact Delhi from Tuesday and persist until April 30.
State-by-State Weather Alerts
Mountainous states are first in line for the altered weather. Jammu & Kashmir is under alert for light to moderate rain or snow, thunderstorms, and winds up to 50 kmph on April 28–29, with isolated hailstorms possible on Tuesday. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face similar conditions, with rain, snow, and gusty winds from April 28 through early May, and hail likely on April 28–29.
Across the plains, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi are under rain and wind alerts from April 28–30. Punjab and Haryana could experience thundersqualls reaching up to 70 kmph. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan will see light to moderate rain and winds through the end of the month, with East Rajasthan and East UP remaining unsettled into early May.
Central and Eastern India Also Affected
Central India will not be spared, with Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh under rain alerts through May 2. Chhattisgarh specifically prepares for strong thundersqualls from April 29 to May 1, while Vidarbha anticipates lightning activity during the same period.
In the east, Bihar is forecast to receive heavy rain and thundersqualls up to 70 kmph on April 28, with unsettled conditions continuing through May 1. Jharkhand faces thundersqualls until April 30 and isolated hail on April 30. Odisha, West Bengal, and Sikkim expect scattered to widespread rain over the next several days, with the Bengal-Sikkim region remaining wet for at least six days.
Delhi's Specific Outlook: From Heatwave to Yellow Alert
Delhi, which experienced temperatures peaking at 42.3°C on Monday and a dust storm in the evening, will see a noticeable change. Skies are expected to turn cloudy on Tuesday, with maximum temperatures easing into the 40–42°C range. The capital is likely to receive very light rain or drizzle, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and winds gusting up to 50 kmph.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in Delhi through Thursday. While an active heatwave alert is no longer in effect, temperatures will still remain above normal, with minimums 3.1°C to 5°C higher than usual and maximums 1.6°C to 3°C above the seasonal average.