New Delhi: Large parts of India are experiencing sharply contrasting weather at the same time, with intense rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms and a strengthening heatwave affecting various regions, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Rainfall and storm activity reported widely

The IMD reported very heavy rainfall, ranging between 12 cm and 20 cm, in isolated areas of Assam, while Nagaland received heavy rainfall of 7 cm to 11 cm. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds of 50 kmph to 80 kmph were recorded in Marathwada, Odisha, Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya.

In addition, gusty winds reaching 30 kmph to 50 kmph were observed across several parts of Northeast, East, North, Central, West and South India. Marathwada experienced particularly high wind speeds, touching 83 kmph.

Hailstorms in multiple states

Isolated hailstorm incidents were reported in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana, adding to the impact of unstable weather conditions.

Heatwave intensifies across northern and central regions

At the same time, a fresh spell of heatwave conditions has strengthened, beginning in Haryana and spreading to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and East Madhya Pradesh. Maximum temperatures across Vidarbha, Marathwada, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh ranged between 40°C and 45°C.

Wardha and Akola in Maharashtra recorded the highest temperatures, reaching 45°C.

Temperature trends across the country

According to the IMD, daytime temperatures remain significantly above normal in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and parts of central and northern India, while most other areas are experiencing near-normal conditions. Night temperatures ranged from 13°C to 26°C, with Gurdaspur in Punjab recording the lowest at 16.5°C in the plains.

Weather systems influencing conditions

Several weather systems are currently shaping these patterns. A Western Disturbance persists as an upper air cyclonic circulation over Jammu and Kashmir, while additional systems are active over southwest Rajasthan and northeast Assam.

Troughs extend from Telangana to Comorin and from east Bihar to southwest Madhya Pradesh. Another Western Disturbance is expected to impact the Western Himalayan region from April 23.

Forecast for Northwest and Himalayan regions

Under the influence of these systems, parts of Northwest India are likely to receive scattered rainfall and snowfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh between April 24 and April 26.

Northeast to continue receiving heavy rainfall

In Northeast India, widespread rainfall activity is expected to persist. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya between April 20 and April 22, with another spell anticipated later in the month.

Thunderstorm outlook for East and Central India

Eastern states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal are expected to witness thunderstorms, gusty winds and occasional thundersqualls. Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha, may also experience thunderstorms and hailstorms.

Rain and storm activity in South and West India

Southern and western regions, including Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, are likely to see scattered rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, with hailstorm activity expected in some areas.

Heatwave warnings across multiple states

Heatwave conditions are likely to affect isolated pockets of Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal between April 20 and April 25.

Hot and humid weather is expected to continue in coastal and eastern regions, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Gangetic West Bengal. Warm night conditions are also likely across several central and eastern states.

Delhi under heatwave alert

Delhi is expected to remain under heatwave conditions from April 20 to April 23, with temperatures ranging between 41°C and 44°C. Authorities have warned of moderate health risks and advised residents to avoid prolonged exposure to heat, stay well hydrated and use protective clothing when outdoors.

Potential damage and risks

Officials have cautioned that thunderstorms and hailstorms may damage crops, trees, power lines and weak structures. Bihar and Odisha are particularly at risk of thundersqualls.

Heavy rainfall in Northeast India could also lead to flooding, landslides, traffic disruptions and crop losses.

Advisories for residents and farmers

Residents have been advised to remain indoors during severe weather, avoid taking shelter under trees and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities.

Farmers in affected areas have been urged to safeguard crops by using hail nets, ensuring proper drainage, harvesting mature crops early and adopting irrigation and mulching techniques to minimise heat stress.

Agency inputs