New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an early warning for an impending heatwave across multiple regions of North and Central India. Starting this week, temperatures are expected to soar dramatically, with maximums touching 44–46°C in several pockets. This follows a brief spell of unseasonal rain and cooler-than-average conditions over the past few days.
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin released on April 20, a fresh high-pressure zone developing over northwest India is likely to push temperatures higher in the coming days. Delhi, Rajasthan, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha in Maharashtra are identified as the most vulnerable regions.
Regions Under Heatwave Watch
🟥 North India:
Delhi-NCR is bracing for a potential spike in mercury levels, with day temperatures expected to breach the 43°C mark. Rajasthan’s districts such as Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner may experience extreme dry heat, while Uttar Pradesh’s eastern belt, including Prayagraj and Varanasi, is also under alert.
🟧 Central India:
The states of Madhya Pradesh and parts of Chhattisgarh will likely see temperatures exceeding 44°C, particularly in cities like Gwalior, Bhopal, and Bilaspur. Vidarbha in Maharashtra is forecast to face heatwave-to-severe heatwave conditions over the next 3–5 days.
🟨 Western India:
Gujarat and parts of interior Maharashtra may also witness hot and humid conditions, though not yet classified as a heatwave.
Causes Behind the Heatwave
Meteorologists attribute this rise to a combination of global and local factors:
-
High-Pressure System: A persistent anti-cyclonic circulation over western India is limiting cloud formation and trapping heat near the surface.
-
Absence of Western Disturbances: The recent lull in western disturbances has reduced cloud cover and rain, both of which help regulate day temperatures.
-
Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities like Delhi are also dealing with heat amplification due to concrete structures, traffic congestion, and limited green cover.
-
Climate Change: The IMD noted that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves have increased over the past decade, a trend linked directly to global warming.
IMD’s 5-Day Outlook
The IMD forecasts that heatwave conditions will:
-
Intensify gradually starting April 22
-
Peak around April 25–26
-
Likely persist until the end of the month in affected zones
Night temperatures are also projected to remain above normal, offering little respite from the daytime heat.
Health Advisory and Precautions
IMD and the Ministry of Health have jointly urged people in heatwave-affected areas to follow essential precautions:
-
Avoid going outdoors during peak hours (12 PM–4 PM)
-
Stay hydrated and consume light meals
-
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
-
Use umbrellas, hats, and sunscreen when stepping out
-
Elderly people, children, and those with chronic illnesses should stay indoors as much as possible
Local governments and disaster management authorities are being advised to activate heat action plans, especially in rural belts and urban slums where access to cooling is limited.
Agricultural and Economic Concerns
Farmers in central India are already expressing concern over the impact of extreme heat on pre-monsoon crop cycles. Water-intensive crops like sugarcane and vegetables may suffer due to increased evapotranspiration and soil moisture depletion.
Additionally, power grids may be strained due to a surge in electricity demand as people turn to air conditioners and coolers to beat the heat. This could lead to scheduled or unscheduled power outages in highly affected areas.
Conclusion: A Hotter Future Beckons
The IMD’s heatwave alert is a stark reminder of the changing climate dynamics affecting India. As temperatures continue to climb each year, cities and rural areas alike must bolster their adaptive infrastructure, public awareness, and healthcare readiness.
With the early arrival of scorching temperatures, the Indian summer of 2025 could be one of the hottest in recent memory—calling for immediate, sustained action from citizens and governments alike.
Official IMD Advisory and Forecast Bulletin.
For more real time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
