Weather Update, February 23: IMD Issues Rain Alert for 11 States Amid Rising Temperatures

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: As winter gradually retreats across India, rising temperatures are already signaling the early arrival of summer in several regions. Daytime temperatures in the national capital have touched nearly 30°C, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain and thunderstorm alert for 11 states across the country.

Rain Alert in 11 States

According to the IMD, rainfall accompanied by gusty winds is likely in the following regions:

1. Eastern Madhya Pradesh
2. Uttarakhand
3. Chhattisgarh
4. Himachal Pradesh
5. Odisha
6. Telangana
7. Assam
8. West Bengal
9. Meghalaya
10. Arunachal Pradesh
11. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

These areas may witness light to moderate showers, with isolated thunderstorms and strong winds in certain pockets.

Delhi-NCR: Rising Heat with Haze

In Delhi-NCR, residents are already experiencing warmer days. The IMD has forecast fog and haze in parts of the region. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 30°C, while the minimum may remain close to 14°C.

A day earlier, the capital recorded a maximum temperature of 29.7°C — 4.2 degrees above the seasonal average — while the minimum settled at 12°C, marginally above normal.

Uttar Pradesh: Clear Skies, Rising Temperatures

Uttar Pradesh is expected to witness clear weather throughout the day, with no rainfall warnings issued. However, several districts are likely to experience a noticeable rise in daytime temperatures. Cities including Lucknow, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra, Mathura, Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Meerut, and Gautam Buddha Nagar may see intense sunshine during afternoon hours.

Rajasthan: Dry Conditions to Continue

Most parts of Rajasthan are likely to remain dry this week. The IMD has indicated partly cloudy skies over southeastern districts on February 23 and 24, but overall weather conditions will remain dry. Both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to rise by 2–3°C over the next 48 hours. Jaipur has recently recorded a minimum temperature of around 15.4°C.

Temperature Snapshot: Major Cities (February 23)

City	Maximum	Minimum
Delhi	28°C	14°C
Mumbai	30°C	23°C
Kolkata	32°C	21°C
Chennai	29°C	23°C
Lucknow	28°C	14°C
Patna	29°C	16°C
Ranchi	28°C	16°C
Bhopal	30°C	17°C
Jaipur	27°C	16°C
Nainital	19°C	10°C
Shimla	17°C	7°C

Tamil Nadu & Puducherry: Rain and Strong Winds Expected

The IMD has forecast light rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between February 23 and 25. Wind speeds over certain areas of the Bay of Bengal may reach up to 60 km/h. Authorities have advised residents in southern Tamil Nadu districts to remain cautious, particularly in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging and localized flooding.

West Bengal: Showers in Southern and Sub-Himalayan Districts

Light to moderate rainfall is likely in several southern districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, and Jhargram. Sub-Himalayan districts such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar may also receive light rainfall over the next two days. Minimum temperatures across southern districts are expected to rise by around 2°C.

With winter bidding farewell and summer knocking early, fluctuating weather patterns across the country underscore the importance of staying updated with official advisories.