India is currently witnessing a dramatic clash of weather patterns intense heatwaves in northern states and heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms in parts of the east and south. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) while regions like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan continue to sizzle, areas such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the Northeast are battling heavy rains and hail. This complex weather situation is a result of a weak western disturbance, cyclonic circulations, and changing temperature gradients across the country.
From the hilly terrains of North India to the vast plains, temperatures have soared, intensifying the heatwave gripping the region. However some relief might be in sight due to a weak western disturbance which could lead to thunderstorms by evening. On April 27 Dehradun witnessed a sudden dust storm affecting local movement, indicating changing weather dynamics.
Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region are also expected to see a shift. The IMD predicts light rain and thunderstorms over the next three days offering a break from the sweltering heat. Today Delhi is forecasted to hit a high of 41°C and a low of 26°C.
Meanwhile cyclonic circulations over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining regions, along with western disturbances, are influencing rainfall activities in the Northeast. Assam and Meghalaya are expected to experience showers with gusty winds up to 70 kmph during April 28–29. Heavy rains are also forecasted over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh with rainfall exceeding 115 mm.
Parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha will also experience rain and thunderstorms with strong winds up to 60 kmph. In southern India, places like northern interior Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern interior Karnataka are likely to see rains with stormy winds around 50 kmph. Heavy downpours are predicted for Kerala and Mahe between April 28 and 30.
Hailstorm warnings have been issued for various locations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The maximum temperatures are expected to climb by 2–3°C over Northwest and Central India, before cooling slightly by the end of the week. Eastern India may see a 3–5°C drop in maximum temperatures in the next three days followed by stability. Maharashtra will experience a gradual rise of 2–3°C over the next five days.
Notably Barmer in West Rajasthan recorded the highest temperature on April 27 at 46.1°C, while Adampur in Punjab logged the lowest in the plains at 17.1°C.
According to IMD, heatwave conditions will persist in Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Western Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Western Madhya Pradesh. Hot and humid weather is forecasted for Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch, Marathwada, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, coastal Karnataka, and Kerala.
On April 27 isolated rainfall was observed over East Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Mahe, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Maharashtra, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Sangli in Madhya Maharashtra recorded 1 cm of rain.
Solutions to Stay Safe During Extreme Weather:
- During Heatwaves: Stay hydrated avoid outdoor activities during peak hours (12 noon to 4 pm), wear light cotton clothing, and use protective gear like hats and sunglasses. Elderly and children should be given special care.
- During Thunderstorms and Heavy Rains: Stay indoors during thunderstorms, unplug electrical appliances to avoid damage, and avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or open fields.
- Prepare for Hailstorms: Keep vehicles under covered parking, secure outdoor furniture, and stay indoors until the storm passes.
- For Farmers: Protect crops with temporary covers and be alert to early weather warnings to minimize agricultural losses.
- General Preparedness: Follow local weather advisories, keep emergency kits ready, and plan travel considering the weather updates.