Heatwave grips parts of India, with temperatures nearing 45°C in cities like Prayagraj and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. On April 29, 2026, rain accompanied by thunderstorms is forecast for Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Experts warn of prolonged heat due to developing El Nino conditions.
Uttar Pradesh reels under intense heat, with Banda recording a high of 47.6°C on Monday and 45.6°C on Tuesday. Temperatures near 45°C have been noted in Prayagraj, Varanasi, Amethi, Raebareli, and Ayodhya.
Weather forecasts indicate thunderstorms, strong winds, and rain across northern and eastern India on Wednesday. Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and parts of Uttar Pradesh may see changes. Scattered rain is possible in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
MausamTak founder Devendra Tripathi stated that rain could provide relief from the heatwave in areas like Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a heatwave as maximum temperatures 5°C above normal for two consecutive days, and severe if 7°C above.
Rain will remain limited in central India's Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Light precipitation is expected in southern states. Developing El Nino conditions may lead to more heatwaves extending into the monsoon season. Heat action plans are in place across 23 states.
