Extreme heat in north contrasts with heavy rainfall in northeast and gusty coastal winds along eastern shores

India is witnessing a sharp contrast in weather patterns as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of heatwave conditions in northern regions while forecasting widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across several other parts of the country.

Delhi sizzles under intense heat with storm relief expected

The national capital, Delhi, is experiencing scorching temperatures, with the mercury expected to touch 43–45°C. Minimum temperatures remain elevated between 26–28°C to uncomfortable conditions, including warm nights.

However, partial relief may arrive late, contributingr in the day, as IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies, accompanied by thunderstorms and light rainfall in the afternoon. Strong surface winds ranging from 30–40 kmph, gusting up to 50 kmph, are also expected, which may bring temporary cooling but could lead to dust storms and reduced visibility.

Mixed weather patterns across regions

Across northwest India, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected over the next few days.

In eastern India, states such as West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha are likely to witness widespread rainfall activity, with isolated heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning. These conditions may impact transportation and agricultural activities in some areas.

Northeast braces for heavy to very heavy rainfall

The northeastern region is set to receive intense rainfall over the coming days. States like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations, raising concerns of waterlogging and localized flooding.

Other northeastern states are also expected to witness frequent spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, indicating an active pre-monsoon phase.

Central and southern regions to see scattered showers

Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha, is expected to receive light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, parts of southern India such as Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh may experience isolated rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds, offering some respite from rising temperatures.

Heatwave persists despite rain activity

Despite rainfall in several regions, heatwave conditions are likely to continue across parts of north and central India, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Hot and humid weather will also prevail in coastal regions such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and coastal Maharashtra, making conditions uncomfortable for residents.

Strong coastal winds raise caution

IMD has also warned of strong winds