India Meteorological Department

From alert to action: Why India's weather warnings still miss the last mile

Why does a modern warning ecosystem still fail to protect people on the ground? Experts detail deeper problems in India's weather alert system

Climate Change crisis: IMD to change parameters to declare heatwaves

The IMD, along with its technical partners, will soon revise the criteria for declaring heatwave conditions in the country, as the present parameters do not suit India's geographical conditions, according to official sources here. Kerala, in particular, has faced difficulties in issuing heatwave warnings because of the limitations of the existing parameters. Sources in the India Meteorological Department said the state experienced severe heat and humidity this summer and, for the first time, weather forecasts were made based on the anti-cyclone system that formed near the KarnatakaMaharashtra coast. "We have never had an anti-cyclone system form closer to the South before, and this time we had to predict the weather based on it," a senior IMD official told PTI. Anti-cyclonic systems are common over north-western parts of India, but this year one formed near the southern region, leading to unusually hot nights. The anti-cyclone caused downward air movement, which pushed warm air ..

Southwest monsoon likely to set in over Kerala on May 26, says IMD

The monsoon, the primary rain-bearing system, normally arrives in Kerala around June 1 and advances northwards to cover other parts of the country

Heatwave to intensify in north India; rain likely in south, Northeast

Large swathes of northwest and central India are bracing for more heat as the IMD predicts heatwave and warm night conditions, while northeastern and southern parts of the country may witness rainfall

IMD issues heatwave advisory as temperatures rise across north India

With temperatures rising across several regions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) released detailed heatwave guidelines and advisories, officials said on Saturday. These include avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak afternoon hours, staying adequately hydrated, wearing light and breathable clothing, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during high-temperature periods. The IMD advised special care for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. "The department emphasised that early awareness and preventive action are critical in reducing heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke," an official said. In its latest assessment, the IMD said that maximum temperatures in many parts of northwest, central, and peninsular India currently range between 40 degrees Celsius and 44 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperature of 44.5 degrees Celsius recorded at Sri ...

Has India's farm output finally become less dependent on the monsoon?

As India faces a below-normal monsoon forecast for 2026, improved irrigation, resilient seeds and policy support have strengthened farm output, though regional risks and inflation concerns persist

Datanomics: Met accuracy improves; farm GVA shifts slightly from crops

Improving monsoon forecasts and a gradual shift from crops to livestock are reducing agriculture's direct impact on India's overall economic growth

Taking a 'rain check' on agri output as past data softens monsoon concerns

IMD's below-normal monsoon forecast raises farm concerns, but past trends show steady foodgrain output supported by irrigation, resilient seeds, and better rainfall distribution

Southwest monsoon season rainfall likely to be below normal, says IMD

India is likely to receive 80 cm of rainfall during the season - the long period average (1971-2020) of the seasonal rainfall over India is 87 cm

Delhi cloudy conditions prevail as AQI improves to 'moderate' level

The national capital experienced a slight increase in minimum temperature on Saturday, while the maximum temperature decreased due to persistent cloudy conditions throughout the day. Although the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the day, only isolated areas of Delhi received light rain during the night between Friday and Saturday. On Saturday morning, the Safdarjung weather station, a key representative of the city's weather, did not record any rain, while other stations reported varying amounts: Palam received 1.9 mm of rain between 11.30 pm on Friday and 2.30 am on Saturday; Lodhi Road recorded 0.3 mm; Ridge also noted 1.9 mm; Ayanagar experienced 5.8 mm; and Pitampura saw 0.5 mm during the same period. No additional rain was observed until 5.30 pm, according to IMD data. The minimum temperature rose to 20.7 degrees Celsius, which is 1.9 degrees above normal and 1.5 degrees higher than the previous day. In contrast, the maximum temperature reached 32

Parts of Delhi see light rain, IMD issues yellow alert for thunderstorms

A late morning light rain hit the national capital, which recorded 2.5 notches above normal minimum temperature at the outset. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert forecasting light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds during the day in several areas. The IMD said areas such as southwest Delhi, parts of west Delhi, central Delhi, Shahdara, east Delhi, north Delhi, south Delhi and southeast Delhi are likely to witness rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, and advised residents to remain updated. It also predicted wind speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour. According to IMD officials, the ongoing spell of unusual weather in March is linked to a series of western disturbances affecting northwest India. These disturbances have been influencing the region since March 15 and are approaching at a lower altitude than usual, impacting weather patterns over Delhi. As a result, isolated parts of the city might experience high wind .

2025 was 8th warmest year since 1901; extreme weather caused 2,760 deaths

India recorded its eighth warmest year in 2025 since 1901, with extreme weather events killing 2,760 people, while the IMD forecast below-normal rains and colder days ahead in early 2026

Delhi air quality remains 'poor' ahead of Diwali, temperatures dips

The national capital on Saturday recorded a minimum temperature of 19.6 degrees Celsius, 1.2 notches above the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Relative humidity was recorded at 87 per cent at 8.30 am. The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 32 degrees Celsius, the IMD said. The weather department has forecast mist and fog on Saturday and Sunday. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the 'poor' category, with a reading of 252 at 9 am, Central Pollution Control Board data showed. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.

Cyclone Shakhti turns 'severe'; IMD issues alert for Gujarat, Maharashtra

Cyclone Shakhti, the season's first in the Arabian Sea, has intensified into a severe storm with wind speeds reaching 100 kmph, prompting IMD alerts across coastal states

Monsoon starts withdrawing from Rajasthan three days ahead of schedule

IMD confirms southwest monsoon withdrawal from parts of Rajasthan on September 14, three days early, with India recording 7% surplus rainfall and strong kharif sowing trends

Monsoon withdrawal from Sept 14: These areas may receive heavy rainfall

Southwest monsoon has withdrawn from some parts of Rajasthan on September 14, with IMD warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across north-east, east, central and southern states this week

Monsoon withdrawal likely to begin around September 15, says IMD

IMD says southwest monsoon likely to start withdrawing from northwest India by September 15, after surplus rains left the country with 8% above-normal rainfall this season

IMD issues orange alert in Gurugram for Tuesday; WFH, online classes advised

Gurugram saw 100mm of rainfall on Monday. The city administration has asked corporate offices and private institutes to urge their staff to work from home, and asked schools to organise online classes

Schools shut in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh as IMD warns of heavy rainfall

The IMD on Friday issued an orange alert for the district, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms and lightning

The killer bolt: Lightning strikes now India's deadliest weather hazard

Lightning, a sudden discharge of electricity during thunderstorms, requires four conditions: intense heating, high humidity, atmospheric instability, and a trigger such as low pressure