IMD weather warnings decoded: what green, yellow, orange and red really mean

The India Meteorological Department issues colour-coded warnings for districts across the country, covering heavy rain, heatwaves, cold waves, thunderstorms and cyclones. The colour tells you how worried to be and what to do about it.

Green: no warning

No significant weather is expected. Normal activities can continue.

Yellow: be aware

Severe weather is possible and conditions could change. Keep an eye on updates, especially if you are travelling.

Orange: be prepared

Severe weather is likely, with a real chance of disruption to roads, trains, power and water supply. Postpone non-essential travel, store drinking water and keep phones charged.

Red: take action

Extremely severe weather is expected. Follow instructions from the local administration, avoid travel, and move to safety if you are asked to evacuate.

Heatwaves, explained

For the plains, IMD considers it a heatwave when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C and is well above normal for that place, or when it crosses 45°C. Coastal and hill-station thresholds are lower. During a heatwave alert, drink water often, avoid the afternoon sun and check on elderly neighbours.

Where to get warnings

District-level warnings are published on the IMD website and the Mausam app, and the national SACHET alerting system sends location-based warnings by SMS during severe events. Our Weather & monsoon page collects the latest alerts from every state.