India weather forecast: how to read IMD rain, heat and alerts

Use IMD for important weather decisions

For heavy rain, heatwaves, cyclones, thunderstorms and other hazardous weather, start with the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A phone widget can be useful for a quick estimate, but it may use a different model or station from the official warning.

For safety decisions, the warning for your district or region matters more than a generic city icon.

Forecast, warning and observation are different

A forecast describes expected future weather. An observation reports what has actually been measured. A warning highlights a hazard that could cause impact and may require preparedness or action.

Do not confuse a forecast high temperature with a measured temperature from a specific station.

What do weather alert colours mean?

IMD colour alerts communicate expected impact and preparedness. A yellow alert asks people to be aware, an orange alert calls for preparedness, and a red alert indicates that action may be needed.

Always read the location, time window and hazard type—not just the colour. A red warning for one district does not automatically apply to the entire state.

Forecast temperature vs “feels like”

A maximum temperature is an official forecast or observation. “Feels like” is an estimate affected by humidity, wind and other conditions. They are not interchangeable.

The same air temperature can feel very different in dry heat, humid weather or strong wind.

What does chance of rain mean?

A probability of rain does not tell you how many millimetres will fall or whether it will rain continuously all day. For flood or travel risk, read the rainfall warning and local impact information as well.

For thunderstorms, short-range nowcasts can also be more useful than a broad multi-day forecast.

Before travel or outdoor work

Check the district-level forecast, warning period and local administration notices. During severe weather, avoid flooded roads and water crossings, and follow local instructions.

During lightning, move away from exposed open areas and isolated tall objects and seek appropriate shelter. During heat warnings, pay attention to IMD and local health advice, especially for outdoor work.

Why forecasts can change

Weather forecasts are updated as new observations and model runs arrive. A forecast changing from the previous day does not necessarily mean the earlier one was fraudulent; the atmosphere and the available data have changed.

For major plans, check again close to the time of travel rather than relying on an old screenshot.