The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for several regions across the country on Monday, April 21, warning of severe heatwave conditions in Central and Northwest India, and heavy to very heavy rainfall in the Northeast. States under alert include Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
According to the IMD, the northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, will see widespread rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h, lasting until April 26. This could lead to localized flooding, waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and potential landslides in some areas.
Meanwhile, central and northwestern parts of India are under heatwave warnings. States such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and East Rajasthan are expected to experience extreme temperatures from April 21 to 26, with mercury levels rising above 44°C in certain areas. The highest recorded temperature so far was 44.6°C in Chandrapur, Vidarbha. Heatwave conditions are also predicted for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal in the coming days.
In addition to the heat, hot and humid conditions will impact coastal and southern regions, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, as well as parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The IMD has advised the public to avoid prolonged exposure to heat, stay hydrated, and wear lightweight cotton clothing. Elderly individuals, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk.
In Delhi, the weather is expected to remain dry with clear to partly cloudy skies over the next few days. Temperatures in the capital may reach 42°C, although occasional gusty winds may provide some temporary relief.
Farmers in areas affected by rain are advised to drain excess water from their fields and protect crops from damage. In regions experiencing a heatwave, it is recommended to irrigate fields frequently and provide shade for livestock.
