Scorching heat, Humidity and Storms likely across India: IMD issues alert

Large parts of northwest, central and eastern India are likely to experience heatwave conditions over the next four to five days , the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday, warning of a continuing spell of extreme weather across multiple regions of the country.

According to the IMD, isolated pockets of Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal are expected to witness heatwave conditions on different days between April 20 and April 25 .

At the same time, hot and humid weather is likely to persist in coastal and southern regions, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Gujarat , with varying intensity through the week. The IMD has also flagged the possibility of warm night conditions in several northern and central states, which can worsen heat stress by preventing relief during nighttime.

Adding to the complex weather pattern, the department has warned of moderate to intense thunderstorm activity over parts of south, central, east and northwest India, along with a possibility of hailstorms in regions such as Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh.

As per the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) technical definition, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature in a region is between 4.5°C and 6.4°C above normal, or when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C in plains, 37°C in coastal areas, or 30°C in hilly regions.

A severe heatwave is recorded when the temperature deviation exceeds 6.4°C above normal , or when extreme absolute temperature thresholds are crossed with sustained intensity.

The IMD’s advisory highlights a multi-hazard weather situation , with heat stress in inland regions, humidity along coastal belts, and unstable atmospheric conditions triggering storms in central and western India. The agency has urged people to take precautions against heat-related illnesses , especially during peak afternoon hours, and to stay alert for sudden thunderstorms and hail events in affected areas.

With temperatures rising and weather systems remaining active across regions, authorities are expected to closely monitor evolving conditions over the coming days.