People across two-thirds of the country are reeling under the impact of severe heat. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued a major warning regarding the ongoing heatwave. On Saturday, April 25, the department stated that there will be no immediate relief from the heat for the public. The IMD advises people to take necessary precautionary measures to protect themselves from exposure to temperatures that are higher than normal for the month of April.
According to the Meteorological Department, maximum temperatures in Northwest, Central, and Peninsular India ranged between 40°C and 44°C. The highest temperature—44.5°C—was recorded in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. Furthermore, in several regions, temperatures are running 5°C or more above the average temperatures typically observed at this time of the year. Collectively, these factors signal growing concerns regarding the ongoing heatwave, public health, and climatic volatility. Finally, the data reveals a distinct trend emerging in the national capital, Delhi.
The highest temperatures recorded in the city during the month of April between 2020 and 2023 are as follows
In 2020, temperatures ranging from 38°C to 40°C were recorded. In 2021, temperatures between 42°C and 44°C were recorded. In contrast, during 2023, Delhi’s temperatures hovered between 45°C and 47°C—levels comparable to those recorded during the dangerous heatwave that swept across India in March 2022. This year, the highest temperatures of the season are being recorded in the month of April—significantly earlier in the year than the annual peak temperatures typically occur.
Experts state that this shift signals a major alteration in climate patterns. A study conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) found that approximately 57 percent of India’s districts face an extremely high risk of heatwaves, impacting nearly 76 percent of the country’s population.
The Meteorological Department has forecast a high probability of heatwave conditions developing in the coming days across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and parts of Central India. Meanwhile, coastal and eastern regions are expected to experience hot and humid conditions, which will further exacerbate the discomfort.
A new cause for concern is the persistent occurrence of ‘warm nights.’ The situation is particularly alarming in the Northern Plains, where elevated nighttime temperatures diminish the potential for cooling down after sunset, thereby leading to an increase in heat-related illnesses. This is because it hinders the body’s ability to recover from the daytime heat.
The Meteorological Department has predicted that maximum temperatures in Northwest India will remain steady until April 27, followed by a gradual decline thereafter; conversely, the rest of India is expected to witness a gradual rise in temperatures.
The IMD has also issued several safety advisories and recommendations, urging people to minimize their exposure to direct sunlight during the afternoon hours. Furthermore, it is advised that people continue to consume adequate amounts of water or fluids. Wear light and airy clothing, and minimize strenuous outdoor physical activities when temperatures are high.
Children and the elderly—particularly those with underlying medical conditions—are specifically advised to take precautions against the severe heat. It is suggested that special care be taken of these vulnerable groups during this season. In its advisory, the IMD has emphasized that early awareness and preventive measures are crucial for mitigating heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Long-range forecasts indicate that heatwave conditions are likely to persist in several regions over the next seven days. India’s northwestern region comprises Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, while Central India includes Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha. Elevated temperatures are also expected in other southern parts of India, particularly in Kerala and Mahe.
