Rain and thunderstorms are expected to impact several regions of India this week, according to alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). There will be heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across East, Northeast, and South India.
States such as Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and various parts of the Northeast are likely to experience intense showers. Additionally, the IMD has issued a warning about heat wave conditions in western India, leading to a week of contrasting and extreme weather throughout the country. Here are the details
Weather Systems in Action
A series of upper air cyclonic circulations and troughs are influencing the current weather patterns:
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Cyclonic circulations are present over northwest Rajasthan, Bihar, east Assam, and south Rayalaseema.
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Troughs stretch from northwest Rajasthan to the Gulf of Mannar and from east Madhya Pradesh to south Assam.
These systems are responsible for widespread thunderstorms, gusty winds, and intense rain activity across various regions.
Rainfall and Thunderstorm Alerts
Several states are likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and isolated hailstorms.
Rainfall Forecast Summary (18–23 April 2025)
|
Region |
|
Expected Weather |
|
Northeast & East India |
|
Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and winds (40-60 kmph) |
|
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar |
|
Heavy rain on April 18 |
|
Gangetic West Bengal |
|
Heavy rain on April 18 and isolated hailstorm |
|
Arunachal Pradesh |
|
Heavy rain on April 18, 22 & 23 |
|
Assam & Meghalaya |
|
Heavy rain on April 18 and again from April 20–23 |
|
Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura |
|
Heavy rain on April 18 and April 20–22 |
|
Kerala, Mahe, South Peninsular India |
|
Thunderstorms with gusty winds (40–60 kmph) for the next 7 days |
|
North Interior Karnataka |
|
Thundersqualls on April 18 |
Dust Storms and Squalls in North India
The IMD has issued warnings for dust storms and thunder squalls, particularly over parts of Rajasthan and Odisha:
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East Rajasthan: Dust storm/thunderstorm with winds up to 60 kmph
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West Rajasthan: Strong dust-raising winds (30–50 kmph) expected on April 18–19.
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West Bengal, Sikkim, North Odisha, Bihar: Thundersqualls reaching 70 kmph likely on April 18.
Western Disturbance to Impact Himalayan Region
A Western Disturbance is currently positioned over West Iran and is expected to influence the Western Himalayan Region from April 18 onward.
Expected Impact:
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Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad & Himachal Pradesh: Isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorm on April 18–19.
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Uttarakhand: Gusty winds expected on April 20–21.
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Plains of Northwest India: Thunderstorm and gusty winds (30–50 kmph) during April 18–20.
Temperature Trends and Heat Wave Alerts
The temperature forecast suggests a mixed trend, with some areas experiencing rising heat while others see temporary relief.
Temperature Outlook:
|
Region |
Trend |
|
Northwest India |
Stable for 2 days, then a 2–4°C drop for 3 days, followed by a rise |
|
Central India |
Gradual rise by 2–3°C over 5 days |
|
East India |
Stable for 3 days, then 2–4°C rise |
|
Slight fall (2–3°C) after 24 hours, followed by gradual rise |
Heat Wave and Warm Night Warnings
The heat wave situation is turning severe in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Here's what to expect:
Heat Wave Alerts (April 18–21):
|
Region |
Conditions |
|
West Rajasthan |
Severe heat wave at most places ; isolated heat wave on April 18 |
|
East Rajasthan |
Heat wave at isolated/some places on April 18 |
|
Saurashtra & Kutch |
Heat wave on April 18 |
|
Gujarat State |
Hot & humid on April 18 |
|
Marathwada & Madhya Maharashtra |
Hot & humid conditions from April 18–21 |
|
Rajasthan |
Warm night conditions on April 18 |
Delhi/NCR Weather Outlook (18–20 April 2025)
Delhi is expected to remain hot and partly cloudy in the coming days, with occasional gusty winds and chances of light rain.
|
Date |
Sky Condition |
Max Temp (°C) |
Min Temp (°C) |
Wind Conditions |
|
April 18 |
Partly cloudy |
38–40 |
24–26 |
Gusts up to 40 kmph |
|
April 19 |
Partly cloudy with drizzle |
38–40 |
25–27 |
Gusts up to 50 kmph |
|
April 20 |
Partly cloudy |
36–38 |
24–26 |
Sustained winds (15–25 kmph) |
With a mix of thunderstorms, heat waves, and dust storms in the forecast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued safety advisories for the public. People are urged to avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat where heat wave conditions are expected to be severe.
During thunderstorms, it is advised to stay indoors, unplug electronic devices, and avoid open areas to minimize risks from lightning and strong winds. Additionally, farmers in the affected regions are advised to postpone harvesting activities and take protective measures to shield their crops from potential hailstorms and heavy rainfall.
