Severe heat conditions across several parts of India may be followed by a sharp change in weather, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an alert for thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall in multiple states over the next 15 to 24 hours. Wind speeds in some areas may reach 80 to 100 kilometres per hour.
While warnings of heatwave conditions and high temperatures remain in place for northern and western India, weather conditions may shift in eastern, northeastern and southern regions.
According to the India Meteorological Department, several states in eastern and northeastern India may witness intense thunderstorms and rainfall within the next 15 to 20 hours. Parts of southern India may also experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
The department has warned of possible lightning strikes, falling trees and localised damage during the period. People have been advised to avoid open spaces and weak structures.
The weather department has also advised against venturing into several areas of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal due to b winds and high waves, which may make marine activities hazardous. The India Meteorological Department has specifically advised fishermen and those involved in marine transport to remain cautious over the coming days.
Even as rainfall alerts remain in place for several regions, severe heat conditions are expected to persist across parts of northern India. Temperatures in states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab may reach between 45 and 48 degrees Celsius. Warm night conditions may also continue in some areas.
Heatwave conditions are expected to remain severe, particularly in Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh, affecting daily life.
In Delhi, b sunlight and hot winds are likely over the next few days, with temperatures potentially reaching 47 degrees Celsius. Heatwave-like conditions are expected during daytime hours.
In Uttar Pradesh, conditions remain severe, with temperatures above 48 degrees Celsius recorded in areas such as Banda. Heatwave conditions may continue in cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi. However, some areas may receive rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms over the next 24 hours.
Weather conditions may change rapidly in Bihar and Jharkhand, with rainfall and b winds expected in cities including Patna, Bhagalpur, Ranchi and Jamshedpur. Wind speeds in Jharkhand may reach up to 70 kilometres per hour, raising the possibility of localised damage.
Weather conditions are also expected to remain unstable in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the coming days. Rain accompanied by thunderstorms may occur in areas including Shimla, Manali, Dehradun and Nainital. Authorities have also warned of possible landslides and road disruptions in hilly regions.
Rajasthan and Punjab are expected to face particularly severe heat conditions, with temperatures in cities including Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Amritsar likely to reach up to 48 degrees Celsius.
A red alert has been issued in these states for heatwave conditions, and people have been advised to avoid stepping outdoors during daytime hours.
