Heatwave and Storm Activity Across India
- Maximum temperatures between 40°C and 44°C recorded across parts of Northwest and Central India
- Temperatures remain 4°C to 6°C above normal in several regions, meeting heatwave criteria
- Fairly widespread rainfall and thunderstorms reported in Northeast India with winds up to 70 km/h
- IMD issues heatwave advisories, urging precautions against heat-related illnesses
- Heatwave conditions expected to persist for the next 3 to 5 days with localized variability
A widespread heatwave is affecting large parts of India, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 44°C in several inland regions, while parts of the Northeast and Himalayan belt are experiencing active rainfall and thunderstorms. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated in its latest bulletin that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are present in isolated pockets and are likely to persist over the next few days.
Current Conditions / Data
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures are currently in the range of 40°C to 44°C across parts of Northwest and Central India, including isolated pockets of Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha. Several stations have reported departures of +4°C to +6°C above normal, meeting IMD thresholds for heatwave conditions.
Night temperatures have remained above normal in isolated pockets of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, contributing to sustained heat stress. Coastal regions, including parts of Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, are reporting high humidity levels, though temperatures there are slightly lower compared to inland regions.
In contrast, weather systems linked to western disturbances and localized cyclonic circulations are producing rainfall in other parts of the country. Light to moderate rainfall, along with snowfall at higher altitudes, has been observed in isolated areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh.
Northeast India is witnessing more widespread activity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports fairly widespread rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, with isolated heavy rainfall events. Thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50–60 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h, have been recorded in parts of the region.
Scattered rainfall has also been reported in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Isolated hailstorm activity has been indicated in IMD forecasts for parts of Jharkhand and north interior Karnataka.
Official Warnings / Advisories
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has issued heatwave advisories for affected regions. These advisories specifically warn of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke in areas where temperatures remain significantly above normal.
The advisory recommends avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours between 12 PM and 4 PM, maintaining adequate hydration, and limiting outdoor activity. It also emphasizes special care for vulnerable populations, including children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Separate advisories for Northeast India warn of potential damage due to strong winds and localized flooding associated with thunderstorms.
Impact on Public Life
There are no nationwide restrictions in place; however, state-level responses are being guided by local conditions. Increased electricity demand has been reported across several northern and central states due to higher cooling requirements.
Health departments in affected regions have indicated a rise in heat-related symptoms, though no consolidated national data on heatstroke cases has been released. In the Northeast, localized disruptions to transport and power supply have been reported due to strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Agricultural activity in parts of eastern India may face short-term disruption due to hailstorms and uneven rainfall distribution.
Short-Term Outlook
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that heatwave conditions will likely continue in isolated pockets of Northwest and Central India over the next 3 to 5 days, with temperatures remaining 3°C to 5°C above normal.
Rainfall and thunderstorm activity is expected to persist over Northeast India and the Himalayan region during the same period due to ongoing atmospheric systems. The IMD notes moderate uncertainty in the spatial distribution and intensity of these events, particularly for thunderstorm development and localized heavy rainfall.