The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather update, signaling a period of significant temperature fluctuations across the nation. While the capital, Delhi, is poised to experience temperatures exceeding 40°C, a formal heatwave declaration remains just shy for the city. Meanwhile, vast stretches of central and northern India are already grappling with intense heatwave conditions, projected to persist until April 23, 2026.
Delhi's Elevated Temperatures and Health Advisory
Residents of Delhi should anticipate maximum temperatures ranging from 39°C to 41°C on Monday and Tuesday, with minimums hovering between 20°C and 22°C. Although not meeting the official criteria for a heatwave, these temperatures are noted to be above normal, prompting the IMD to flag moderate health risks. Particular caution is advised for vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. The department recommends avoiding prolonged heat exposure, despite partly cloudy skies expected over the capital.
Heatwave Sweeps Across Central and Northern India
Beyond Delhi's elevated temperatures, a significant heatwave is forecast to envelop numerous states. The IMD's latest bulletin details the following affected regions:
- April 20: Isolated pockets of West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh.
- April 20-23: East Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and East Madhya Pradesh.
- April 20-21: Jharkhand.
- April 20-22: West Uttar Pradesh.
- April 20-23: West Rajasthan.
From April 21 to 23, the heatwave zone will expand to include Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Odisha. Mercury levels are expected to climb by 2 to 4°C across Northwest India and by 2 to 3°C in East India through April 21. Nights will offer little reprieve, with Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh anticipating uncomfortably warm conditions after dark. High humidity will exacerbate the heat in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka, and West Bengal.
Rainfall and Storm Alerts for Other Regions
In stark contrast to the heatwave, other parts of India are bracing for heavy rainfall and storms:
- Northeast India: Arunachal Pradesh is under a very heavy rainfall alert for April 20 and 21, with widespread rain and thunderstorms expected across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya until April 23.
- Himalayan States: Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh are likely to experience rain or snow, thunderstorms, and strong winds (30-50 kmph) on Monday.
- Bihar: A severe thundersquall with winds reaching up to 70 kmph is warned for April 23.
- Southern and Central India: Scattered showers and storms are forecast for Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala through April 23. Light to moderate rain and storms are also expected across Bengal and Odisha during the same period, with isolated light rain and thunderstorms in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh through April 22.
The IMD urges all residents, especially those in heatwave-affected areas, to prioritize safety by staying indoors during peak afternoon hours, maintaining hydration, and limiting outdoor activities.