IMD Today Weather Forecast: Heatwave Grips North, West India; Rainfall Expected in These States

As temperatures soar once again, large parts of north, west, and central India are bracing for an intense heatwave this week. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of rising mercury levels in several states, while a few regions may find relief in the form of rainfall and thunderstorms due to an approaching western disturbance .

Scorching Days Ahead for Northern and Western States

The IMD has sounded a five-day heatwave alert across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.

• Rajasthan will remain in the heatwave’s grip until April 19, with the worst days expected between April 16 and 18.
• Gujarat will feel the brunt on April 16 and 17.
• Punjab, Haryana, and western Madhya Pradesh are likely to experience soaring temperatures during the same period.
• Both western and eastern parts of Rajasthan will see severe heat between April 16 and 18.

Delhi Heats Up, Skies to Turn Cloudy Later

Delhi-NCR is already facing uncomfortable heat levels.

• On April 16, clear skies in the morning will gradually give way to partial cloud cover by evening.
• Heatwave conditions are predicted across the capital, with maximum temperatures expected between 40°C and 42°C and minimums ranging from 23°C to 25°C.

Rainfall Expected in Eastern and North-eastern States

While many states battle extreme heat, others are seeing a turn in the weather.

• Rainfall is predicted in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and most northeastern states like Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya through April 17.
• Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh may witness rain and hailstorms on April 18, courtesy of the western disturbance.

Hailstorms Likely in the Hills

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are expected to face hailstorms on April 18 and 19, bringing a brief spell of cold relief to the hills.

• Rajasthan could also see scattered dust storms and thunderstorms - western parts on April 16 and eastern regions a day later.

Southern States to Get Wet Weather

Down south, weather activity is set to pick up:

• Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Telangana, and Karnataka will see scattered to widespread rain with thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 30-40 km/h in the next five days.
• On April 17, Kerala and Mahe are expected to experience moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching up to 50 km/h.

While parts of India continue to reel under intense heat, several regions are expected to get temporary relief through scattered rain and thunderstorms. The week ahead will be a weather rollercoaster - extreme heat in some places, and rain-soaked skies in others.