Heatwave Alert Issued for Central and Southern India as IMD Forecasts Rising Temperatures

India is facing contrasting weather conditions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alerts for several central and southern states while forecasting heavy rainfall in the northeast. According to the latest IMD bulletin, heatwave conditions are remarkably likely in isolated pockets of East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and North Interior Karnataka between April 16 and 19, 2026. Similar conditions are expected in Chhattisgarh and Telangana during the same period.

The IMD reported that as of 8:30 AM on April 15, 2026, daytime temperatures ranged between 38-44 degrees Celsius across many parts of the country, with the highest temperature of 44 degrees Celsius recorded jointly in Akola (Maharashtra) and Kalaburagi (Karnataka).

IMD Issues Heatwave Alerts for Multiple States

The IMD has issued heatwave alerts for the following states and regions:

• East Madhya Pradesh: April 16-19, 2026
• West Madhya Pradesh: April 17-19, 2026
• Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh: April 17-20, 2026
• Odisha: April 18-19, 2026
• Jharkhand: April 19-20, 2026
• Marathawada, Madhya Maharashtra, and North Interior Karnataka: April 16-18, 2026
• Rayalaseema: April 17-18, 2026

Contrasting Weather: Rain Alert for Northeast and Western Himalayas

While central and southern India brace for heatwave conditions, the IMD forecasts scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across much of the Northeast between April 16 and 19, 2026. States expected to receive rainfall include Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

a warning of thunderstorms and lightning has been issued for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Hailstorms have been predicted for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, with unfavourable weather conditions, including heavy rains, expected to prevail in Uttarakhand until April 19, 2026.

Understanding Heatwave Conditions and IMD Criteria

A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C for plains and 30°C for hilly regions, based on the actual temperature or its departure from normal. The IMD uses specific criteria to classify heatwave conditions, considering both the actual maximum temperature and its deviation from the long-term average for the region.

The current heat-inducing anticyclone over interior Maharashtra and adjoining Telangana and north interior Karnataka is causing subsidence, which leads to a rise in temperatures at lower levels. This meteorological phenomenon is expected to increase day temperatures by 2-3°C over the next few days, potentially intensifying heatwave conditions.

Health Impacts and Precautions During Heatwave

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at higher risk.

The IMD advises the public to take necessary precautions during heatwave conditions:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoid going out during peak heat hours (12 PM to 4 PM)
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Use hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas for sun protection
• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives
• Never abandon children or pets unattended in vehicles

IMD’s Role in Weather Monitoring and Forecasting

The India Meteorological Department, established in 1875, is the national meteorological service of India and operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is responsible for monitoring weather conditions, providing forecasts, and issuing warnings for severe weather events across the country.

The IMD uses a network of weather stations, radar systems, and satellite data to collect atmospheric information, which is then analyzed using numerical weather prediction models to generate accurate forecasts.

Recent Temperature Records and Trends

The joint recording of 44°C in Akola and Kalaburagi on April 15, 2026, highlights the intensity of the current heatwave. This temperature reading is significant as it approaches the threshold for severe heatwave conditions in the region.

Long-term climate data indicates that central and peninsular India have experienced increasing frequency and intensity of heatwave events over the past decades, a trend consistent with global warming patterns.

Conclusion

As India grapples with contrasting weather patterns—heatwave in the central and southern regions and heavy rainfall in the northeast—the IMD’s timely alerts play a crucial role in disaster preparedness and public safety. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed about local weather updates and follow recommended precautions to mitigate health risks associated with extreme temperatures.

The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will issue updated advisories as needed based on the evolving weather patterns.

IMD Issues Heatwave Alert for Central and Southern India Amid Contrasting Weather Patterns

India is experiencing contrasting weather conditions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alerts for several central and southern states while forecasting heavy rainfall in the northeast. According to the latest IMD bulletin, heatwave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and North Interior Karnataka between April 16 and 19, 2026. Similar conditions are expected in Chhattisgarh and Telangana during the same period.

The IMD reported that as of 8:30 AM on April 15, 2026, daytime temperatures ranged between 38-44 degrees Celsius across many parts of the country, with the highest temperature of 44 degrees Celsius recorded jointly in Akola (Maharashtra) and Kalaburagi (Karnataka).

IMD Issues Heatwave Alerts for Multiple States

The IMD has issued heatwave alerts for the following states and regions:

• East Madhya Pradesh: April 16-19, 2026
• West Madhya Pradesh: April 17-19, 2026
• Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh: April 17-20, 2026
• Odisha: April 18-19, 2026
• Jharkhand: April 19-20, 2026
• Marathawada, Madhya Maharashtra, and North Interior Karnataka: April 16-18, 2026
• Rayalaseema: April 17-18, 2026

Contrasting Weather: Rain Alert for Northeast and Western Himalayas

While central and southern India brace for heatwave conditions, the IMD forecasts scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across much of the Northeast between April 16 and 19, 2026. States expected to receive rainfall include Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

a warning of thunderstorms and lightning has been issued for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Hailstorms have been predicted for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, with unfavourable weather conditions, including heavy rains, expected to prevail in Uttarakhand until April 19, 2026.

Understanding Heatwave Conditions and IMD Criteria

A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C for plains and 30°C for hilly regions, based on the actual temperature or its departure from normal. The IMD uses specific criteria to classify heatwave conditions, considering both the actual maximum temperature and its deviation from the long-term average for the region.

The current heat-inducing anticyclone over interior Maharashtra and adjoining Telangana and north interior Karnataka is causing subsidence, which leads to a rise in temperatures at lower levels. This meteorological phenomenon is expected to increase day temperatures by 2-3°C over the next few days, potentially intensifying heatwave conditions.

Health Impacts and Precautions During Heatwave

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at higher risk.

The IMD advises the public to take necessary precautions during heatwave conditions:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoid going out during peak heat hours (12 PM to 4 PM)
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Use hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas for sun protection
• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives
• Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles

IMD’s Role in Weather Monitoring and Forecasting

The India Meteorological Department, established in 1875, is the national meteorological service of India and operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is responsible for monitoring weather conditions, providing forecasts, and issuing warnings for severe weather events across the country.

The IMD uses a network of weather stations, radar systems, and satellite data to collect atmospheric information, which is then analyzed using numerical weather prediction models to generate accurate forecasts.

Recent Temperature Records and Trends

The joint recording of 44°C in Akola and Kalaburagi on April 15, 2026, highlights the intensity of the current heatwave. This temperature reading is significant as it approaches the threshold for severe heatwave conditions in the region.

Long-term climate data indicates that central and peninsular India have experienced increasing frequency and intensity of heatwave events over the past decades, a trend consistent with global warming patterns.

Conclusion

As India grapples with contrasting weather patterns—heatwave in the central and southern regions and heavy rainfall in the northeast—the IMD’s timely alerts play a crucial role in disaster preparedness and public safety. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed about local weather updates and follow recommended precautions to mitigate health risks associated with extreme temperatures.

The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will issue updated advisories as needed based on the evolving weather patterns.