A fierce weather pattern continues to impact India as scorching temperatures grip the plains while rain, hail, and snowfall disrupt life in the Himalayan regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts as temperatures soar in parts of Rajasthan and Punjab, while an orange alert has been sounded in Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rainfall and hailstorms.
Heatwave Tightens Grip Over North and Central India The mercury has crossed 43°C in several parts of Punjab, with areas in Rajasthan nearing a sweltering 45°C. The IMD has warned of a prolonged heatwave in Rajasthan and Gujarat over the next three days. A rise of 2-4°C in maximum temperatures is expected across northwest India until April 18, followed by a slight dip in the subsequent days. Similarly, central India may see a 2-3°C rise in the coming days.
In Maharashtra and Gujarat, a marginal drop in temperatures is anticipated post-24 to 48 hours. Rajasthan is likely to remain under heatwave conditions until April 19, while Kerala and Mahe brace for hot and humid weather. Nighttime temperatures are also expected to remain unusually warm across parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Rains Forecast for Uttarakhand Light rainfall is expected in parts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh. A yellow alert has been issued for thunder and lightning in these districts. An orange alert has been declared for Dehradun, Tehri, Nainital, and other areas on April 18 and 19, predicting rain, hailstorm, and gusty winds.
Punjab’s Weather Set to Shift with Strong Winds Punjab recorded a maximum temperature of 43.3°C on Wednesday, 2.3°C above normal. Dry conditions are expected to persist on Thursday, but strong winds between 30-40 km/h may bring relief starting April 18. Scattered showers are also expected, which could result in a temperature dip of 2-3°C.
Orange Alert Issued Across Himachal Pradesh Heavy rain, hailstorm, and strong winds are expected across Himachal Pradesh from April 18 to 20. An orange alert has been issued for all districts with a forecast of winds reaching up to 50 km/h. Adverse weather is likely to continue till April 21. A precautionary advisory has been released in response to these conditions.
Snowfall Returns to Lahaul Valley High-altitude areas of Lahaul experienced fresh snowfall Wednesday evening, leading to a sudden temperature drop. Key locations such as Rohtang Pass, Kunzum La, Baralacha, and Shinkula reported light snow, while rain was recorded in lower valleys like Keylong. Shimla saw cloudy skies, though conditions remained dry in other regions.
Manali-Leh Highway Delayed by One Month Persistent snowfall and inclement weather have delayed the reopening of the strategically crucial Manali-Leh highway. Originally opened by April 23 last year, the road remains buried under snow and debris across 57 km. At over 13,000 feet, Baralacha Pass continues to receive snowfall daily, keeping temperatures 12°C below freezing. Ice walls 40-50 feet high pose serious challenges for road-clearing operations.
Widespread Rains in Southern and Northeastern States In the last 24 hours, parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, interior Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, Telangana, Assam, and Meghalaya witnessed rain and hailstorm. Thunderstorms with lightning were reported in isolated areas across Odisha, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim. Telangana, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha also recorded heavy rainfall.
Stay tuned for real-time weather alerts and safety advisories from IMD as conditions evolve across the country.
