Weather Update: Heat Intensifies in North, Heavy Rain Alert in South – IMD Issues Red Alert for 6 States

BY Daily News Now
February 19, 2026

National Desk: Weather conditions across India are changing rapidly. Winter has almost withdrawn from North India, with temperatures steadily rising. Meanwhile, rainfall activity has picked up again in parts of South India and some other regions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in several states starting February 20, 2026, and continuing over the next few days.

Special Warning for Coastal Areas

IMD has issued a special advisory for fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea over the following regions:

Southeast Bay of Bengal
Gulf of Mannar
Comorin area
Along and off the West Sri Lanka coast

Wind speeds in these areas may reach 40–50 km/h, making sea conditions rough.

States Likely to Receive Rainfall

According to IMD, rainfall activity will mainly affect southern and hilly states between February 20 and 24:

Kerala and Mahe

Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms from February 20–23
Heavy rainfall likely at isolated places on February 21–22

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal

Heavy rainfall expected on February 21–22
Light rain possible on February 23–24

Uttarakhand

Scattered rainfall from February 22–24
Likely impact in Dehradun, Nainital, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli

Himachal Pradesh

Rain likely in several areas on February 23
Shimla, Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, and Solan may be affected

West Bengal and Jharkhand

Heavy rainfall warning for Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand on February 24

Odisha

Light rain with thunderstorms and lightning likely on February 23–24

In these regions, maximum temperatures may drop by 2–3°C, accompanied by gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h.

Weather Forecast for Major Cities (February 20)

Delhi

Clear skies with light morning fog
Maximum: 27–29°C
Minimum: 14–16°C
Slight warmth expected during the day

Lucknow

Clear weather
Maximum: 29°C
Minimum: 16°C
Temperatures returning to normal after recent showers

Patna

Onset of warmer conditions
Maximum: 29°C
Minimum: 18°C
Temperatures may rise to 30–32°C next week

Shimla

Clear but cold
Maximum: 19°C
Minimum: 7°C
Rain possible on February 23

Ranchi

Clear skies
Maximum: 28°C
Minimum: 17°C
Rain and gusty winds expected on February 24

Bhopal

Light rain possible in some districts
Maximum: 28°C
Minimum: 17°C
Winds may blow at 30–40 km/h

Jaipur

Completely clear weather
Maximum: 26°C
Minimum: 14°C
No rain expected

Chennai

Partly cloudy skies
Light rain or thunderstorms possible
Light morning fog may affect visibility

Advisory for Travelers and Fishermen

Check the latest weather updates before traveling to hilly regions.
Remain cautious in areas expecting strong winds and lightning.
Fishermen are strongly advised to follow IMD warnings and avoid venturing into the sea in affected zones.

While northern states are beginning to experience early signs of summer, southern states may get relief from rainfall. Staying alert amid changing weather conditions is essential.