The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh nationwide weather update warning of a stronger heatwave spell across North and Central India, while several eastern and northeastern states are expected to receive heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next two weeks. The latest extended range forecast covers the period from 23 April to 06 May 2026.
According to the IMD, heatwave conditions that began over Haryana earlier have already spread to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and East Madhya Pradesh. The department has now warned that the heat may intensify further in the coming days, especially across the northern plains.
North India Alert: UP, Delhi, Rajasthan on Heatwave Watch
The IMD has forecast heatwave conditions in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh on 23 and 24 April, while Rajasthan may remain under heatwave conditions from 23 to 29 April. East Uttar Pradesh is also likely to face heatwave conditions from 24 to 27 April. Warm night conditions are also expected in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh and West Uttar Pradesh, which means reduced relief after sunset.
The report states that maximum temperatures may rise by 2°C to 3°C over Northwest India till 26 April before easing slightly later. Several parts of the country are already recording daytime temperatures in the 40°C to 44°C range.
Rain and Thunderstorm Warning for East & Northeast India
While North India battles heat, eastern and northeastern states are expected to witness active weather. IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura on multiple days during the forecast period. Thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds of 50 to 70 kmph may also affect Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and nearby regions.
The bulletin also notes that rainfall is likely to remain normal to above normal over many parts of Northeast and adjoining East India, while most remaining parts of the country may stay drier than usual.
Public Advisory
People in heatwave-hit states are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during afternoon hours, wear light clothing, and check on children, elderly citizens, and those with health conditions. Residents in rain-affected regions should watch for waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and local weather alerts.
With both extreme heat and storm activity active at the same time, the next two weeks could bring sharp weather contrasts across India.
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