Heatwave alert: Delhi to soar to 40 degrees Celsius, heavy rain expected in Northeast; check travel advisory

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for several states, warning of rising temperatures despite recent rainfall and strong winds providing brief relief in parts of North India. While the cool spell has brought temporary comfort, the IMD predicts a sharp temperature increase over the next few days, particularly in Northwest India. If you have travel plans, consider these.
Delhi, currently experiencing pleasant weather, is expected to witness a significant rise in temperature, with forecasts suggesting it may reach 40 degrees Celsius by the end of March.
Severe heatwave conditions have arrived unusually early this year, impacting eastern and western regions of the country. Several areas have already reported extreme temperatures, with Odisha’s Boudh district recording the highest at 42.5 degrees Celsius on March 16. Jharsuguda in Odisha also witnessed a sweltering 41.8 degrees Celsius on March 14.
Northeast India braces for heavy rainfall
As extreme heat grips parts of the country, a cyclonic circulation over Assam is set to bring a wave of heavy rainfall to Arunachal Pradesh and widespread showers across the Northeast. States including Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh are expected to experience significant downpours. According to the IMD, these states will see five days of intense rainfall accompanied by strong winds, creating a sharp contrast to the sweltering conditions prevailing in other regions.
Also read: North India’s 5 best April getaways for pleasant weather

Unstable weather conditions are expected in other parts of the country as well. Several states, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, are likely to experience cloudy skies and strong winds, with some areas receiving rain over the coming days. Similarly, Karnataka, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and coastal Gujarat may witness sporadic rainfall.
However, states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Telangana, and the Gangetic plains of West Bengal are bracing for an intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to remain significantly above normal.
Also read: Severe heatwave grips multiple states in India; know why this is happening
In Tamil Nadu, moderate rainfall is forecast until March 22. Puducherry and Karaikal are also expected to receive showers. Chennai, meanwhile, will likely see partly cloudy skies.
As India grapples with extreme weather patterns, authorities are advising citizens to take necessary precautions against heatwaves while also staying alert for sudden weather changes. If you have any immediate travel plans, keep an eye on the weather reports and be prepared.