The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi from April 7 to 9, warning of heatwave-like conditions as maximum temperatures are expected to soar between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius. Delhi is currently witnessing temperatures that are around 3°C above normal, with daily highs ranging from 38 to 40°C.
IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava told ANI that heatwave conditions are likely by April 7. “A western disturbance will affect the Western Himalayan region between April 8 and 10, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, and rainfall,” he said.
While the minimum temperatures in Delhi remain stable, hovering between 17 and 22°C, the maximum temperatures are consistently 1 to 3°C above normal across most parts of the city. West-northwesterly winds with speeds up to 18 kmph were also observed in the last 24 hours.
Widespread Heatwave Across India
Northern and western parts of India are bracing for a prolonged and intense heatwave. Rajasthan is forecasted to experience a severe heatwave over the next 4–5 days, and alerts have also been issued for Gujarat and the Saurashtra-Kutch region, where high temperatures are expected to persist until mid-April.
States affected by the upcoming heatwave include:
- Gujarat: Heatwave from April 6–10; severe in Saurashtra and Kutch on April 6–7.
- Rajasthan: Heatwave from April 6–10; severe conditions between April 7–9.
- Himachal Pradesh: Isolated heatwave conditions on April 6–7.
- Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab: Heatwave between April 6–10 (Punjab from April 7).
- Delhi: Heatwave on April 7 and 8.
- West Uttar Pradesh: April 7–9.
- Madhya Pradesh: April 8–10.
In Uttar Pradesh, officials predict a particularly harsh summer, especially in the Bundelkhand region, putting both people and livestock at risk. “Maximum temperatures will likely remain above 40°C consistently, with warmer-than-usual nights compounding the heat stress,” said Atul Kumar Singh, a weather official in Lucknow.
Temperature Trends by Region
- Northwest India, Maharashtra, South Peninsular India: Rise of 2–4°C over the next 4 days, followed by a 2–3°C drop.
- Central India: 2–3°C rise over 4 days; stable thereafter.
- East India: No major change for 2 days, then a 2–3°C dip, followed by stable conditions.
- Gujarat: 2°C increase for 2 days, steady for 2 days, then a 2–4°C drop.
Rainfall and Thunderstorm Predictions
While northern India battles extreme heat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka are likely to experience heavy isolated rainfall over the next two days. Parts of Chennai already witnessed rainfall earlier today. The IMD’s Chennai centre also issued warnings for thunderstorms and lightning in select districts.
A fresh western disturbance is expected to hit the western Himalayas from April 8, bringing scattered to widespread rainfall in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand between April 9 and 10. Gusty winds of up to 40 kmph and isolated hailstorms are likely, especially over Jammu & Kashmir on April 9.
A cyclonic circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal may develop into a low-pressure area in the next 48 hours. This system is likely to bring widespread rainfall to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for the next 6–7 days, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The IMD has warned of squally weather with wind speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, from April 6 to 9 over the Andaman Sea and southeast Bay of Bengal.
As the heat intensifies in the north and rain lashes parts of the south, the IMD continues to monitor the evolving weather patterns across the country.
Sources By Agencies
