A widespread heatwave has gripped large parts of North and Central India, with temperatures soaring past 40C in several states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, where heatwave conditions persisted for the second straight day on Saturday.
Heatwave conditions likely to continue
According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are expected to affect northwest and central India over the next three days. The alert covers regions including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and adjoining central areas between April 25 and April 27.
The department also flagged hot and humid conditions in multiple regions. “Hot & humid weather conditions very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Gangetic West Bengal on 25th; Odisha during 25th -27th; Tripura, Konkan & Goa, Gujarat State, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala & Mahe on 25th & 26th; Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal during 25th -29th April,” the IMD bulletin stated.
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Temperatures breach 40C across states
Several states reported high temperatures, with readings crossing 40C in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The IMD noted, “Maximum/day temperatures were in the range of 40-45℃ over most parts of the country except the western Himalayan region, northeast India adjoining east India and the West Coast. The highest maximum temperature of 45.2C was reported at Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh).”
In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow recorded 42.5C, which is notably above the seasonal average. Rajasthan also saw intense heat, with Barmer touching 44.8C. Odisha’s Rourkela and Jharsuguda registered 42C, while Malkangiri experienced a lower actual temperature of 37C but an unusually high “feels like” temperature of 52C.
Delhi records rising temperatures
In the national capital, Safdarjung reported a minimum temperature of 25.2C, which is 2.5 degrees above normal. By 2 pm, the temperature had climbed to 39.6C, with the “feels like” temperature reaching 42.4C.
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The IMD classifies a heatwave when the maximum temperature is at least 4.5 degrees above normal and exceeds 40C, or when it touches 45C or more. In Delhi, this classification depends on readings from Safdarjung being among at least two qualifying stations.
Slight relief possible from April 26
While conditions remain harsh, a marginal dip in temperatures may occur soon. Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet Weather, said no immediate relief was expected on Saturday but hinted at a change ahead. “There could be a slight cooling effect. This is likely because of a cyclonic circulation developing over Rajasthan, with chances of rain over Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, among other places in northwest India,” Palawat said.
The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies and surface winds up to 35 kmph for Sunday. Thunder-like conditions are likely on Monday, with light rainfall expected between Tuesday and Wednesday.