IMD weather alert today: Thunderstorms and rain likely in Delhi and nearby states amid heatwave

New Delhi: North India continues to grapple with an intense heatwave that has turned daily life difficult across several states, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a shift in weather conditions with thunderstorms, dust storms and rainfall expected over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Scorching winds and extreme daytime temperatures have left large parts of the region struggling, with relief systems such as air conditioners also proving inadequate in some areas due to persistent hot and dry conditions.

Also read | Weather shift in India: IMD warns of rain, storms and temperature drop in coming days

However, the IMD has indicated that weather activity is likely to intensify across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana, bringing strong winds, dust storms and rain, with wind speeds expected to reach up to 60 kmph in some locations.

While the transition is expected to provide temporary relief from the heat, officials have warned of associated risks such as lightning strikes, hailstorms, falling trees and disruptions to transport and power supply.

“Northwest India is expected to experience peak heat conditions before the weather changes,” the IMD said, adding that the shift could lead to a fall in temperatures but may also cause localised disruptions.

Also read | Kerala weather today: IMD issues yellow alert, thunderstorms & heatwave to hit multiple districts

In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at 25.4 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung on Thursday, with the IMD forecasting thunderstorms with rain at isolated places later in the day.

“Among other stations, Palam recorded a minimum of 24.9 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road 23.6 degrees Celsius, Ridge 25 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar 24.1 degrees Celsius,” the report said.

The maximum temperature in the capital is expected to hover around 36 degrees Celsius, with “thunderstorm activity accompanied by rain in isolated places” likely during the day. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 136, in the ‘moderate’ category.

According to IMD classifications, an AQI of 0–50 is ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’.

Meanwhile, heatwave conditions are expected to intensify further in parts of northwest India.

“Heatwave conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated parts of Vidarbha on April 29, followed by a more prolonged spell over West Rajasthan from May 1 to May 3,” the IMD said.

Hot and humid conditions are also expected across several regions, including Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, and Coastal Karnataka over the coming days. The IMD also warned of warm night conditions in parts of East Madhya Pradesh, increasing health risks.

India is currently experiencing complex atmospheric activity, including multiple cyclonic circulations and troughs across northern and eastern regions, which are influencing weather patterns.

“A Western Disturbance persists as a cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan and adjoining Kashmir… A trough aloft in the middle and upper tropospheric westerlies is also present,” the IMD noted.

Further, “an induced upper air cyclonic circulation continues over Punjab and adjoining areas,” along with other active systems across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and eastern India.

A fresh Western Disturbance is expected to impact the Western Himalayan region from May 2, 2026, potentially bringing further changes to weather conditions across northern India.