Will rain and heat disrupt your weekend plans? IMD issues thunderstorm and heat wave alerts across these Indian states

Travel during the weekends in India might experience some disruptions due to unfavorable weather conditions as the IMD has issued an alert for thunderstorms, rains, and heat waves in various parts of the country.The IMD All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin prepared by the National Weather Forecasting Centre of the IMD on April 16, 2026 (07:53 PM) says that unfavorable weather conditions are likely to prevail in several tourism destinations until April 22. Unfavorable weather conditions include heavy rains in the northeastern and Himalayan regions, thunderstorms in the eastern and southern regions, and heat waves in the central and western regions of India.

Northeast and hills brace for rain-related travel disruptions

Those who intend to visit the picturesque destinations of Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh can expect rainfall along with thunderstorms, lightning, and winds blowing at a speed of 50 kmph. Moreover, the IMD has issued warnings about the chances of isolated rainfall until April 20. This might lead to waterlogging, landslides, and blockades of roads in hilly areas.

Likewise, there is going to be rainfall in the states of Sikkim and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal.

On April 18, heavy rains may cause difficulties in the movement on the roadways and hinder sightseeing.

Western Himalayas may receive snowfall and storms

On the other hand, destinations located in the northern region of India, namely Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will receive light to moderate rainfall and snowfall until April 19.Thunderstorms and strong winds may affect roadways. Besides, hailstorms may occur on April 17.

Eastern India faces thundersqualls and strong winds

The weather conditions in West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha continue to be unpredictable with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds set to lash these areas for the next few days.

Interestingly, a thundersquall with gusty winds reaching 70 kmph has been predicted in Gangetic West Bengal which could briefly disturb train, road, and even air transport.Meanwhile, Odisha might also face rains intermittently till April 21 that could disrupt holiday plans of coastal residents.

Rain and thunderstorms to hit certain regions of western and southern India

Certain parts of Maharashtra like Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada would experience scattered rains from April 18 to April 21.

Although it is not going to rain all over, the occasional rain and lightning can prove disruptive for your road trip.The southern region of India including Karnataka, Telangana, and coastal Andhra Pradesh is also expected to witness scattered rainfall and gusty winds for the next few days. Hot and humid climate accompanied by scattered rains will also prevail in the coastal areas of Karnataka and Konkan region.

Heat wave warning for central and western travel circuits

While some areas expect rains in the coming days, there will be areas where temperatures might rise.

IMD has issued warnings regarding heat wave conditions in the following states between April 17 and April 20 - Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and the interiors of Maharashtra.This means that travelers visiting these states must expect extreme temperatures during the day in the popular inland destinations of the region.

Travelers need to take note of certain things

Heavy rains in the area might result in flooding, traffic disturbances, and even landslides in the hill states.

Weather conditions such as thunderstorms and hailstorms can lead to damage caused by natural disasters, whereas heat waves could lead to dehydration and related issues among visitors.Travelers are expected to check weather reports, avoid vulnerable areas, plan their itinerary accordingly, and also remain indoors in case of storms or hailstormsConsidering the different weather systems present all over the country, travelers must consider the coming weekend carefully. From the mountains to the coasts, and inland areas, it is essential to check weather reports issued by the IMD.