IMD Forecast: From 44.5°C Heatwave to Thunderstorms Across India.

IMD Forecast

India is currently witnessing a dramatic shift in weather patterns, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a rare combination of extreme heatwaves and widespread thunderstorms across different regions of the country.

While parts of northwest and central India are experiencing scorching temperatures touching 44.5°C, several eastern, northeastern, and southern states are preparing for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.

This stark contrast highlights the growing complexity of India’s weather systems, driven by multiple atmospheric conditions acting simultaneously. As the forecast extends up to April 29, 2026, understanding these patterns becomes crucial for residents, travelers, and policymakers alike.

Phase-Wise Weather Overview Across India

Category	Details
Maximum Temperature Recorded	44.5°C (Rajasthan)
Heatwave Regions	Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Vidarbha
Thunderstorm Regions	Northeast, East India, South India
Rainfall Type	Light to heavy rain with lightning
Wind Speed Forecast	30–50 km/h gusty winds
Duration of Pattern	Till April 29, 2026
Primary Authority	IMD
Weather Nature	Mixed extremes (heat + storms)

IMD Forecast : Heatwave Situation: Temperatures Touch 44.5°C

India’s summer intensity has sharply increased, especially in northwestern regions.

• Rajasthan recorded the highest temperature of 44.5°C, making it the hottest region in the country.

• Several areas in Gujarat and Haryana have crossed 42–43°C.

Key Heatwave Regions

According to IMD forecasts:

• Madhya Pradesh – Heatwave till April 27

• Uttar Pradesh – Rising temperatures with dry conditions

• Bihar – Heatwave till April 25

• Chhattisgarh & Vidarbha – Severe heat pockets

Why Is the Heat So Intense?

• Dry winds from desert regions

• Lack of cloud cover

• Anti-cyclonic circulation trapping heat

• Rising seasonal temperatures

In some regions, temperatures are 4–5°C above normal, intensifying discomfort and health risks.

Thunderstorms & Rainfall: Relief in Other Regions

In contrast to the heatwave zones, several parts of India are set to receive active rainfall and thunderstorms.

Regions Likely to Experience Storms

• Northeast India – Heavy to very heavy rainfall

• West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand – Thunderstorms with lightning

• Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka – Scattered rain and gusty winds

Weather Features Expected

• Thunderstorms with lightning

• Gusty winds up to 50 km/h

• Localized heavy rainfall

• Possibility of hailstorms in isolated regions

These conditions are caused by:

• Western disturbances

• Cyclonic circulations

• Moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal

The “Two-India Weather” Phenomenon

One of the most striking aspects of the current forecast is the sharp regional contrast:

Region Type	Weather Condition
Northwest & Central India	Extreme heatwave
Eastern & Northeastern India	Heavy rainfall
Southern India	Thunderstorms & humidity
Coastal Regions	Hot & humid conditions

This phenomenon reflects how multiple weather systems are active simultaneously, leading to completely different experiences across the country.

Impact on Daily Life

1. Health Risks

• Heatstroke and dehydration in heatwave regions

• Increased humidity discomfort in coastal areas

• Lightning risks during thunderstorms

The IMD has even introduced a “feels-like index” to better measure heat stress in cities like Nagpur, combining temperature, humidity, and wind factors.

2. Agriculture

• Heat stress affecting crops in central India

• Rainfall benefiting northeastern agriculture

• Risk of crop damage due to hailstorms

3. Travel & Transport

• Flight and train delays due to storms

• Road disruptions in heavy rainfall areas

• Travel advisories issued for extreme heat zones

IMD Alerts and Warnings

The India Meteorological Department has issued multiple alerts:

• Heatwave alerts for Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, and surrounding regions

• Yellow alerts in cities like Mumbai for hot and humid weather

• Thunderstorm warnings for eastern and northeastern states

Citizens are advised to:

• Avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours

• Stay hydrated

• Follow local weather updates

What Happens After April 29?

Forecast models suggest:

• Heatwave conditions may gradually reduce in some regions

• Rainfall activity could expand to additional areas

• Temperature fluctuations will continue due to active weather systems

However, May and June are expected to bring even more intense heatwave conditions across India, according to seasonal outlooks.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

1. What is the highest temperature recorded in India recently?

The highest recorded temperature is 44.5°C in Rajasthan.

2. Which regions are facing heatwaves?

Northwest and central India, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar

Pradesh.

3. Which areas will receive thunderstorms?

Northeast, eastern states like West Bengal and Odisha, and parts of South India.

4. How long will this weather pattern last?

The current mixed pattern is expected to continue until April 29, 2026.

5. What causes such contrasting weather?

Multiple systems like western disturbances, cyclonic circulations, and regional temperature variations.

Final Takeaway

The latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department highlights an unusual and extreme weather contrast across India—with scorching heatwaves in one region and thunderstorms in another.

This “two-weather reality” underscores the increasing variability in India’s climate, where different regions simultaneously experience completely opposite conditions.

For citizens, the key takeaway is clear:

• Stay alert to local weather updates

• Take precautions against heat and storms

• Prepare for rapidly changing conditions

As India moves deeper into summer, this pattern serves as a reminder that weather extremes are no longer isolated events—they are becoming the norm.