- India,
- 24-May-2026 08:35 AM IST
The weather in India is currently exhibiting a stark contrast, with several regions experiencing extreme conditions ranging from blistering heatwaves to heavy rainfall and even snowfall. In North and Central India, the sun is showing no mercy as a severe heatwave has effectively confined residents to their homes. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and several other states are currently under the grip of this intense thermal spell. According to the latest reports, Vidarbha emerged as the hottest region in the country yesterday, with temperatures soaring well above the 47 degrees Celsius mark, creating a challenging environment for the local population.
Severe Heatwave Alerts for Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh
The National Capital Region (NCR) and Uttar Pradesh are currently sweltering under extreme heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi, highlighting the severity of the heatwave. Yesterday, the maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 41 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature stood at 28 degrees Celsius. However, the situation is expected to intensify today, with the maximum temperature projected to reach 44 degrees Celsius. This rise in temperature, combined with the heatwave conditions, has made outdoor activities nearly impossible during the day.
States Facing the Brunt of the Heatwave
The IMD has identified several states that will continue to face the brunt of this severe heatwave, while these include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Vidarbha, and Bihar. Specifically, the weather department has warned of severe heatwave conditions developing in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Eastern Madhya Pradesh. Plus, between May 24 and May 28, residents of Western Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi are expected to face persistent and troubling heat. In addition to the high temperatures, Delhi might witness thunderstorms with strong winds, while Rajasthan is likely to experience dust storms. Bihar and Jharkhand are also on alert for strong storms on May 24 and May 25.
Monsoon Progression and Kerala Arrival
While the north burns, there is some news regarding the progression of the monsoon. The India Meteorological Department has noted that the northern limit of the Southwest Monsoon has reached parts of the South Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Andaman Sea, while over the next 2 to 3 days, the monsoon is expected to advance further into the Southeast Arabian Sea, the Comorin area, the Southwest Bay of Bengal, and the remaining parts of the Andaman Sea. The much-awaited monsoon is anticipated to hit the coast of Kerala by May 26, potentially bringing some relief from the rising temperatures in the southern peninsula.
Record Temperatures in Vidarbha and Hilly Regions
Vidarbha has officially recorded some of the highest temperatures in the country this season. 2 degrees Celsius yesterday. It isn't just the daytime temperatures that are high; the night temperatures are also remaining Importantly above normal, leading to what meteorologists describe as warm nights, which offer little respite to the people. Conversely, the hilly regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are expected to see a different side of nature. The IMD has predicted rain and hailstorms in these areas, which is likely to cause a dip in temperatures and provide much-needed relief from the heat.
Heavy Rainfall Alert for Seven Northeastern States
In the northeastern part of India, the weather department has issued a serious warning for seven states. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are expected to experience heavy rainfall, lightning, and strong winds until May 28. There is a specific warning for very heavy rainfall in certain areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya. Such intense precipitation carries the risk of causing landslides and significant waterlogging in these regions, and residents have been advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions during this period.
