India Meteorological Department Issues Heatwave Alert: North India Braces for Scorching Temperatures

With temperatures surging past 42°C in over 21 cities, India is experiencing a brutal wave of heat early in April. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave warnings across Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and several other northern states, marking a harsh beginning to the summer season.

🔔 Heatwave Alerts: What Has IMD Said?

• Delhi NCR:
  IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi till April 9, forecasting daytime temperatures soaring up to 42°C. The maximum recorded temperature already crossed 38.4°C on April 5. Warm, dry westerly winds are aggravating the situation, making conditions oppressive even during early mornings and evenings.
• Rajasthan:
  A red alert has been sounded in parts of Rajasthan. Cities like Barmer and Jaisalmer are already seeing temperatures breach the 44°C mark. IMD warns that the dry heat could intensify further in the coming days due to hot winds from Pakistan.
• Uttar Pradesh & Haryana:
  With Etawah, Kanpur, and Meerut reporting extreme temperatures, the IMD has also placed these states on orange alert. The UP government has begun implementing mitigation plans, such as setting up hydration kiosks and issuing school advisories.
• Gujarat:
  Ahmedabad and surrounding regions are under severe heatwave conditions. The day mercury here is expected to stay 4–5°C above normal till at least April 10.

🌍 The Numbers: Cities Scorching Under 42°C+

According to IMD and Skymet reports, more than 20 cities have crossed the 42°C mark already, including:

• Barmer (Rajasthan) – 44.2°C
• Ahmedabad (Gujarat) – 43.8°C
• Kanpur (UP) – 42.6°C
• Delhi (Safdarjung) – 42.2°C
• Hisar (Haryana) – 43.1°C

These temperatures are 5–7°C above average for early April and mimic conditions typically seen in peak summer months like May and June.

🧠 What Exactly Is a Heatwave?

Per the IMD, a heatwave is declared when:

• Maximum temperature exceeds 40°C in plains and is at least 4.5°C above normal.
• Severe heatwave is declared if the temperature is 6.5°C above normal or touches/exceeds 45°C.

💡 Why This Early Heat?

Several meteorological factors are contributing to this unusual April heatwave:

• Weak Western Disturbances: These systems that usually bring rain to North India have weakened.
• Persistent high-pressure zone over northwest India is trapping heat.
• Hot, dry winds from Pakistan and Thar desert are sweeping across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Delhi.
• Residual El Niño effects, which typically cause hotter-than-normal temperatures across the Indian subcontinent.

🏥 Health Advisory

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and health experts have issued safety tips for citizens:

• Stay indoors during peak hours (12 PM – 4 PM).
• Keep hydrated: Drink water every 30–60 minutes.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they dehydrate the body.
• Wear light, breathable clothing and use sunscreen.
• Watch out for heatstroke symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, rapid heartbeat.

Children, the elderly, and outdoor workers are especially at risk.

📅 Forecast Ahead

DateDelhiJaipurAhmedabadLucknowGurugramApril 741°C42°C43°C42°C41.5°CApril 842°C43.5°C44°C43°C42°CApril 942.2°C44°C43.8°C43°C42°CApril 1041°C42°C42.5°C42°C41°C

Slight relief is forecast for April 10–11, especially in Delhi and Haryana, as partly cloudy skies and light winds may bring marginal cooling. However, central and western India may continue to remain under the grip of heat.

🌧️ Weather Contrast in South and East

While the north burns, southern and eastern India are gearing up for a different challenge—heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha are likely to witness intense showers, offering some relief but also raising the threat of lightning and localized flooding.

🛠️ Government & Civic Response

• Delhi Jal Board is increasing water tankers and public water points.
• UP & Rajasthan authorities are regulating school timings and halting outdoor construction during afternoons.
• Advisories issued to hospitals to stock ORS, IV fluids, and set up emergency cooling zones.

📱 Social Media Buzz

@Indiametdept:
"Heatwave conditions likely to persist over Northwest India till April 9. Stay hydrated. Follow safety advisories. #IMD #WeatherUpdate #Heatwave"

@SkymetWeather:
"Summer sizzle has arrived early. Western India under blazing sun with mercury rising 4–6°C above normal."

🔚 Final Word

With the heatwave intensifying across North and Central India, vigilance and preparedness are the need of the hour. As April unfolds, all eyes will be on the IMD’s daily bulletins for updates. Until then, stay cool, stay safe, and avoid the sun as much as you can.