India braces for heavy rain in north and east as IMD keeps heatwave alert for Uttar Pradesh

The India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain across parts of north and east India for June 26, while also keeping a heatwave alert in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The forecast covers Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha, with thunderstorms also expected in Rajasthan. In later coverage on June 26, the IMD warning was described as extending to heavy to very heavy rain in parts of the Northeast, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.

The mixed outlook reflects the sharp regional split of the early monsoon period, when heavy rain in one belt can coincide with dangerous heat in another. For residents and travelers, that raises the risk of waterlogging, flooding, disrupted road and rail movement, and heat-related illness in the hottest pockets.

Chronology

A June 25 report on the IMD forecast first flagged heavy rain for Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha, along with thunderstorm risk in Rajasthan and heatwave conditions in east Uttar Pradesh.

A later June 26 update said the heavier rain threat had shifted or broadened to parts of the Northeast, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, while severe heatwave conditions were still likely in isolated parts of east Uttar Pradesh.

Why It Matters

The IMD warnings are important for commuters, farmers and other people working outdoors. Heavy rain can quickly affect visibility, drainage and local transport, while continued heatwave conditions can create health risks for vulnerable people and those exposed for long periods.

Authorities and residents in the affected states are likely to keep watching for district-level changes, since short-range weather alerts can shift quickly as monsoon systems move.