The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh nationwide weather alert, showing very different conditions across the country. While many northern, central and eastern regions are getting ready for strong heatwave conditions, other areas may see rain and thunderstorms in the coming days.
According to the All-India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin released at 0800 IST on April 21, 2026, temperatures are expected to rise across large parts of inland India. At the same time, moisture-filled winds could bring storms to the Northeast, South and some western regions.
The forecast shows a changing weather pattern, so people are advised to stay careful due to extreme heat, lightning risks and strong winds in different areas.
Heatwave grips north and central India
Heatwave conditions are likely in some parts of Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand on April 21.
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As per the bulletin, the warning will continue in Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh till April 24. West Uttar Pradesh may face heatwave conditions from April 21 to 25, while West Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal and East Uttar Pradesh will also see rising temperatures on certain days as per IMD forecast.
Thunderstorms and rain lash Northeast
Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds of around 30–50 kmph is expected in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya till April 24, and in other north-eastern states on April 21. Lightning is also likely on April 22 and 23. Bihar may experience strong storm winds of about 50–70 kmph.
Weather activity in Northwest India
Northwest India may see light to scattered rain, snowfall, thunderstorms and strong winds. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are likely to experience this on April 24 and 25, while Himachal Pradesh may see similar weather on April 25 and 26.
Rain and storms across southern states
Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and strong winds is likely in Kerala and Mahe on April 21 and 22. Similar weather will continue in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema from April 21 to 24, with chances of lightning in Tamil Nadu and some parts of Karnataka.
Western and coastal regions see mixed weather
Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada are likely to get light rain with thunderstorms from April 21 to 24, while lightning is expected in Konkan and Goa. Coastal Gujarat may experience hot and humid weather on April 24 and 25.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also warned of hot and humid conditions in Gangetic West Bengal from April 21 to 26, along with similar discomfort in southern and coastal regions. Warm nights are likely in parts of Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Odisha.
With extreme heat in some areas and storm risks in others, this changing weather pattern calls for caution. People are advised to follow official updates and take safety measures against heat stress, lightning and strong winds.
