IMD warns of heatwave, storms and heavy rain across these Indian states; travellers advised to plan carefully this week

India is heading into a dramatic week of contrasting weather, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heatwave conditions across several northern and central regions even as thunderstorms, hailstorms and heavy rain are expected in the hills, the Northeast and parts of eastern India. The latest All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin, issued on the night of April 24, paints a picture of a country experiencing multiple weather systems at once — something that could significantly affect travel plans during the busy summer holiday season.For domestic travellers, late April often marks the start of family vacations, hill station getaways and long road trips. But with temperatures soaring in the plains and rain-related disruptions possible in scenic mountain and Northeast destinations, this is a week when weather awareness could become just as important as hotel bookings and transport tickets.According to the IMD, isolated heatwave conditions are highly likely over parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and sections of central India. The alert also includes pockets of Kerala and Mahe. These conditions are expected to persist across several northern and central regions until April 27, with gradual relief likely in some areas thereafter.The highest maximum temperature recorded on April 24 was 45.2 degrees Celsius in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the severity of the ongoing hot spell. Warm night conditions are also forecast in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and East Uttar Pradesh, indicating that uncomfortable temperatures may continue even after sunset.For travellers, this means sightseeing in historic cities such as Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Lucknow or Varanasi could become physically exhausting during midday hours. We recommend starting outdoor activities early in the morning, taking long indoor breaks in the afternoon and resuming plans after sunset during such conditions. Carrying water, oral rehydration solutions and light cotton clothing may also help reduce heat stress.While the plains bake under summer heat, parts of the Western Himalayan region are expected to receive rain and snowfall. Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to witness scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds on multiple days till April 30. Higher reaches may also receive snowfall.This could affect travel to some of India’s most popular summer escapes, including Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Mussoorie, Nainital, Gulmarg and Srinagar. Mountain roads can become slippery after rain, while fog and low clouds may reduce visibility. Tourists driving through high-altitude routes should be prepared for slower travel times and possible temporary road closures.At the same time, cooler temperatures and fresh post-rain landscapes may appeal to travellers seeking relief from the plains. Those willing to plan flexibly could still enjoy the hills, especially if they keep an eye on district-level weather updates.The Northeast is likely to witness the most intense weather activity over the next several days. IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall between April 27 and April 30.Thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, are likely over Assam and Meghalaya on April 26 and 27. Hailstorms are also possible in some areas.For travellers, this could impact plans to destinations such as Shillong, Cherrapunji, Tawang, Kaziranga, Gangtok and other scenic circuits connected through the Northeast gateway. Heavy rain can trigger landslides in hilly terrain, cause waterlogging in urban areas and delay flights or road transport.Still, for nature lovers, this is also when the region turns lush and dramatic. Waterfalls swell, forests deepen in colour and landscapes become especially photogenic. Those travelling should simply build extra buffer time into itineraries and remain prepared for sudden weather changes.Parts of eastern India, including Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha, are expected to receive thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over the coming days. Thundersquall conditions are forecast in some areas, with winds potentially gusting to 70 kmph.This may affect travellers visiting Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok, Kolkata, Puri, Bodh Gaya or heritage circuits across Bihar and Jharkhand. Evening thunderstorms are common during this transitional pre-monsoon period, but stronger squalls can disrupt train schedules, local transport and outdoor activities.Along the Odisha and West Bengal coast, squally winds over the Bay of Bengal between April 26 and 28 may also affect marine conditions. Beachgoers and boat operators are likely to be more cautious during this period.South Peninsular India is expected to see isolated light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and lightning over Kerala, Interior Karnataka, Telangana and parts of Tamil Nadu. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is also likely to witness lightning activity through much of the week.For travellers, this suggests generally manageable conditions with occasional evening showers rather than widespread disruption. Destinations such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Munnar, Coorg, Mysuru and parts of Tamil Nadu may experience bursts of rain that bring temporary cooling. Outdoor plans, however, may need to be adjusted around late-afternoon or evening storms.With India’s weather sharply divided between extreme heat and stormy spells, travellers are being advised to plan smarter rather than cancel plans outright. Experts recommend checking daily forecasts, keeping flexible transport options, carrying sunscreen and hydration supplies for hot destinations, and rain gear for mountain or Northeast travel.For many travellers, this week’s forecast is a reminder that April can be one of India’s most unpredictable months — a season when summer heat, pre-monsoon storms and mountain weather all collide at once. Those prepared for the contrasts may still enjoy some of the country’s best seasonal journeys.