IMD Issues Weather Advisory as Heatwave and Heavy Rainfall Affect Multiple Indian States

Yugcharan News / 23 May 2026

The India Meteorological Department has issued a fresh weather advisory warning of severe heatwave conditions across several northern and central Indian states, while forecasting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of southern and northeastern regions over the coming days. The department has urged residents and travellers to remain cautious as extreme weather conditions continue to impact transportation, tourism, and public movement across multiple states.

According to the latest bulletin issued by the weather agency, northwestern and central parts of the country are likely to witness prolonged periods of intense heat, with temperatures remaining significantly above normal levels. At the same time, several hill states and coastal regions may experience heavy rainfall, gusty winds, thunderstorms, and localized flooding due to advancing monsoon activity.

Officials stated that travellers planning summer vacations, religious journeys, wildlife tours, or hill station visits should monitor weather updates regularly before undertaking long-distance travel.

Heatwave Conditions Continue Across North and Central India

The IMD has warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue in states including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Vidarbha and Coastal Andhra Pradesh over the next several days.

Meteorological officials said some regions have already recorded extremely high temperatures. Reports indicated that Banda district in Uttar Pradesh registered temperatures nearing 48 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest locations in the country this week.

Authorities have issued red alert warnings for parts of Uttar Pradesh, while orange alerts remain in place for several neighbouring regions. Experts stated that prolonged exposure to such conditions could increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses.

The ongoing heatwave has also affected daytime movement in major tourist destinations such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, and parts of central India. Travel operators and local authorities have advised visitors to avoid outdoor sightseeing during afternoon hours.

Advisory Issued for Travellers and Tourists

Health experts and weather officials have recommended precautionary measures for individuals travelling through heat-affected regions. The advisory includes staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure for extended periods, wearing light cotton clothing, and limiting outdoor activities during peak daytime temperatures.

Officials also advised passengers travelling by road to carry sufficient drinking water and avoid unnecessary delays in open areas. Several states have reportedly intensified public awareness campaigns regarding heat safety measures.

Travel industry representatives noted that high temperatures may impact summer tourism in some northern destinations, particularly for elderly travellers, children, and those with existing health conditions.

Monsoon Activity Likely to Intensify

While northern India continues to experience extreme heat, the IMD stated that conditions are becoming favourable for the further advancement of the southwest monsoon over parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and adjoining regions.

Meteorologists indicated that rainfall activity is expected to increase gradually across southern and northeastern states over the next three to four days. Officials said the monsoon’s progress may bring temporary relief from heat in some regions but could simultaneously create weather-related disruptions in others.

Heavy Rainfall Forecast in Northeast India

The weather department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and sub-Himalayan areas of West Bengal and Sikkim.

Authorities warned that travellers heading towards hill destinations such as Darjeeling, Gangtok, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh may encounter landslides, waterlogging, low visibility, and road blockages due to persistent rain.

Disaster management teams in vulnerable hill districts have reportedly been placed on alert as precautionary measures. Officials also advised tourists to avoid venturing into landslide-prone areas during periods of heavy rainfall.

Southern States Expected to Witness Thunderstorms

The IMD has also predicted widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds across southern states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana.

According to forecasts, some areas in Kerala and Tamil Nadu may continue receiving heavy rainfall spells through the upcoming week. Interior Karnataka could witness strong winds and thundersqualls reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour.

Officials have warned that sudden storms may lead to temporary disruptions in traffic movement, flight schedules, and local transport services in some cities.

Caution Issued for Coastal and Island Travel

Weather officials have also advised caution for people planning beach and island travel. Rough sea conditions are expected over parts of the Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, Andaman Sea, Lakshadweep region, and adjoining Arabian Sea areas.

Fishing communities and small vessel operators have been advised to monitor official weather bulletins before venturing into deep sea areas. Tourists visiting coastal destinations have also been urged to follow local safety instructions and avoid risky activities during adverse weather conditions.

Eastern India Likely to Receive Rain and Storm Activity

In eastern India, states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal are expected to witness thunderstorms, lightning activity, gusty winds, and isolated heavy rainfall.

Meteorological officials stated that Bihar could experience intense rainfall activity around May 24, while Gangetic West Bengal may witness strong thundersqualls in certain districts.

Authorities have cautioned residents regarding possible waterlogging, falling tree branches, traffic congestion, and temporary power disruptions during storm activity.

Impact on Travel and Infrastructure

Experts believe the simultaneous occurrence of heatwaves and heavy rainfall across different regions presents unique challenges for transport systems and tourism management. Railway schedules, flight operations, and road travel could witness disruptions in weather-sensitive zones.

Several state administrations have reportedly initiated preparedness measures to handle emergencies linked to heat stress, flooding, or storm-related incidents.

Urban areas prone to drainage issues may also experience localized flooding during sudden downpours. Emergency services and civic agencies in vulnerable districts have been instructed to remain prepared for rapid response operations if needed.

Authorities Urge Public Vigilance

Officials from the IMD and disaster management departments have advised citizens to stay updated through verified weather bulletins and official announcements. Travellers have also been urged to keep flexible schedules and avoid unnecessary movement in areas under severe weather alerts.

Experts noted that May and early June typically represent a transitional weather phase in India, where pre-monsoon instability often results in sharp contrasts between extreme heat and heavy rainfall events across different regions.

As weather conditions continue evolving, authorities are expected to issue additional advisories depending on the movement of the monsoon system and temperature patterns across the country.