Heatwave Grips North India; Heavy Rainfall Alert in Northeast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for various parts of North and Central India while also forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across the Northeastern states. This alert, released on April 20, highlights the extreme weather conditions expected in the coming days.
According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are likely in isolated areas of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. The warning will remain in effect through April 23 in several regions, with temperatures expected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius across Northwest India. Eastern parts of the country may also experience a temperature increase of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
In addition to high daytime temperatures, several regions, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, are expected to experience warm nights, which will increase discomfort. Coastal regions such as Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka, and West Bengal are likely to face hot and humid weather over the next few days.
Meanwhile, the Northeastern region is preparing for heavy rainfall. The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya until April 21, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Widespread rainfall is expected to continue in these areas until April 23.
Other regions, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, may experience rain or snow along with strong winds. States like Bihar have been warned of possible thundersqualls with wind speeds reaching up to 70 km/h.
In Delhi, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy, with temperatures ranging between 39°C and 41°C. Although no heatwave has been predicted for the national capital, temperatures are likely to stay above normal.
The IMD has advised people, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat and to stay hydrated during this period.
