Weather Update: Western Disturbance Hits Jammu; Heatwave Alert for MP and Maharashtra

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that Central India and coastal regions are set to experience intense heat. However, due to the influence of a Western Disturbance in North India, temperatures in that region aren't expected to rise rapidly. Heatwave conditions and hot, humid weather are likely to persist in parts of Central-Eastern and Peninsular India throughout this week.

Heavy Rainfall and Storm Alerts

Heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds are expected in Arunachal Pradesh from April 18 to 20, in Assam and Meghalaya until April 19, and in isolated areas of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on April 18. Over the past 24 hours, thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds were observed in Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Odisha, East Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya.

Temperature Records and Atmospheric Systems

On Thursday, maximum temperatures across most parts of the country ranged between 38°C and 44°C. In the Western Himalayan region, Northern Punjab, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and Northeast India, temperatures remained at or below 38°C. 2°C was recorded in Akola, Maharashtra.

Seven-Day Weather Forecast

No significant change in maximum temperatures is expected in Northwest India until April 22. In Central India, a gradual rise of about 2°C is likely until April 19, followed by a decrease of 2-3°C on April 20 and 21. Maharashtra and Gujarat will see no major change until April 18, with a gradual decrease of 2-3°C expected by April 22. Other parts of the country are unlikely to see significant temperature shifts over the next seven days.

Regional Alerts and Warnings

An 'Orange Warning' has been issued for West Bengal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura due to predicted hailstorms, lightning, and storm-force winds. Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are also under an Orange Alert for April 17 due to potential hailstorms. A 'Yellow Warning' for thunderstorms and lightning covers Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Heatwave warnings are in effect for East Madhya Pradesh, Marathwada, Madhya Maharashtra, and North Interior Karnataka, while coastal areas from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu will experience hot and humid conditions.