Delhi: The India Meteorological Department has issued an extensive weather forecast warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across New Delhi, the eastern coast and parts of the northeast through early May.

A yellow alert remains in effect for Delhi, with intermittent rainfall and cloudy conditions expected to continue until May 6.

Wind speeds are likely to reach 30–50 kmph, while certain thundersquall-affected areas may experience gusts of up to 70 kmph.

Thunderstorm activity across multiple regions

According to the IMD advisory, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is expected across the northeast, eastern coastal regions, southern states and parts of central India in the coming days.

Special attention has been drawn to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Western disturbance brings relief from heatwave

A major change in atmospheric conditions is set to end the recent heatwave across North and Central India. The IMD said the activation of a strong Western Disturbance is now extending into the plains, bringing thunderstorms, gusty winds and a noticeable drop in temperatures.

Very heavy rain forecast in Northeast and eastern regions

Very heavy rainfall is expected in Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and West Bengal. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are likely to receive heavy rainfall.

West Bengal and Sikkim may also experience winds reaching up to 50 kmph.

Eastern plains to see thunderstorms and lightning

Residents in Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha have been advised to prepare for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds as the weather system moves across the eastern plains.

Rain expected in southern and central India

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to receive heavy rainfall. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are likely to experience thunderstorms, while much of these regions, along with Tamil Nadu, will continue to face hot and humid conditions.

Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also forecast for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, East Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.

Warning over rough seas and coastal winds

The IMD has also warned of rough sea conditions and winds reaching up to 65 kmph over the Bay of Bengal, affecting coastal areas of Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea during this period.

With agency inputs