IMD Forecasts Scorching Heatwave India , While Heavy Rain In North
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has highlighted a striking contrast in weather patterns across the country, with significant heatwave conditions expected to grip large parts of North and Central India over the next few days, even as the Northeast prepares for heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
According to the All India Weather Summary & Forecast Bulletin issued by the National Weather Forecasting Centre in New Delhi on April 19, 2026, at 20:00 hrs IST, isolated heatwave pockets are likely over West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha on April 20. Heatwave conditions are set to persist until April 23 in East Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and East Madhya Pradesh. West Uttar Pradesh may experience heatwaves from April 20 to 22, while West Rajasthan could see them continuing until April 23.
The forecast indicates heatwave spells in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Odisha between April 21 and 23. Jharkhand is expected to face such conditions on April 20 and 21. Daytime temperatures are projected to rise gradually, with maximums increasing by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over northwest India in the coming seven days and by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over east India until April 21. Other parts of the country are likely to see little change in temperature levels.
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In sharp contrast, the Northeastern region is in for widespread rainfall activity up to April 23. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya are expected to receive fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rains, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds through April 23. Similar conditions are likely in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura until April 22. Very heavy rainfall is specifically forecast over Arunachal Pradesh on April 20 and 21.
The IMD has cautioned that these intense rains could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, disruptions to transportation, localized flooding, and landslides in vulnerable hilly terrains. Scattered rain, snowfall in higher altitudes, thunderstorms, and windy conditions are also anticipated in the Western Himalayas—including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—as well as in parts of eastern India, Maharashtra, and southern peninsular regions in the days ahead.
These varied conditions stem from the influence of different weather systems, such as western disturbances and cyclonic circulations, currently affecting the country. The bulletin underscores the IMD’s ongoing monitoring of these developments.