India is currently experiencing a striking mix of extreme weather conditions, with intense heatwaves affecting several northern and central regions while heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hailstorms impact other parts of the country.
According to the India Meteorological Department, this unusual combination of weather patterns is being driven by multiple atmospheric systems operating simultaneously. The contrasting conditions highlight the growing variability in India’s climate during the pre-monsoon season.
The India Meteorological Department has reported very heavy rainfall (12–20 cm) in isolated parts of Assam, while Nagaland recorded heavy rainfall ranging between 7–11 cm. These regions, already prone to seasonal rain activity, are witnessing intensified precipitation due to prevailing weather systems.
Thunderstorms accompanied by squally winds of 50–80 kmph have been observed across regions including Marathwada, Odisha, Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Assam and Meghalaya. Wind speeds in Marathwada reached up to 83 kmph, indicating the severity of storm systems.
In addition, gusty winds ranging between 30–50 kmph have been reported in several parts of the country, increasing the risk of damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
Isolated hailstorms have been recorded in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana, posing risks to standing crops and rural livelihoods.
At the same time, a fresh spell of heatwave conditions has begun in Haryana and is spreading to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Maximum temperatures are ranging between 40°C and 45°C across regions such as Vidarbha, Marathwada, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Notably, Wardha and Akola in Maharashtra recorded the highest temperature at 45°C, underscoring the intensity of the heatwave.
The IMD noted that daytime temperatures are above normal in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and central and northern India, while most other regions are experiencing near-normal conditions.
Minimum temperatures across the country are ranging between 13°C and 26°C, with Gurdaspur recording one of the lowest at 16.5°C in the plains.
The current weather pattern is influenced by a Western Disturbance persisting as an upper air cyclonic circulation over Jammu & Kashmir. Additional systems are active over southwest Rajasthan and northeast Assam.
Troughs extending from Telangana to Comorin and from east Bihar to southwest Madhya Pradesh are further contributing to instability in the atmosphere.
Another Western Disturbance is expected to affect the Western Himalayan region from April 23. Under its influence, scattered rainfall and snowfall are likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh between April 24 and 26.
Widespread rainfall activity is expected to continue in Northeast India, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya between April 20 and 22, and again later in the month.
Eastern states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal are likely to experience thunderstorms, gusty winds, and occasional thundersqualls.
Central regions including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha may witness thunderstorms and hailstorms. Meanwhile, southern and western states—Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala—are expected to receive scattered rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
Heatwave conditions are likely to persist in isolated pockets of Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Gangetic West Bengal between April 20 and 25.
Hot and humid conditions are expected in coastal and eastern regions, while warm nights may affect several central and eastern states.
Delhi is expected to remain under heatwave conditions until April 23, with temperatures ranging between 41°C and 44°C. Authorities have issued warnings about moderate health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Residents have been advised to:
The IMD has also warned that thunderstorms and hailstorms could damage crops, trees, power lines, and weak structures, with Bihar and Odisha particularly vulnerable to thundersqualls.
Heavy rainfall in the Northeast may trigger flooding, landslides, traffic disruptions, and crop damage. Farmers in affected regions have been urged to:
India is currently facing a complex weather scenario marked by simultaneous heatwaves and severe storm activity across different regions. The IMD’s forecast highlights the need for heightened preparedness, as both extreme heat and severe weather events pose risks to health, agriculture, and infrastructure. As climate variability increases, such contrasting weather patterns may become more frequent, making it essential for authorities and citizens alike to stay alert and follow safety advisories closely.