Early summer heat tightens grip on Delhi
New Delhi: Delhi is set to experience high temperatures early this week, though conditions fall just short of a formal heatwave declaration. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures will range between 39°C and 41°C on Monday and Tuesday, while the minimum temperatures are expected to hover between 20°C and 22°C. Despite the absence of a heatwave classification, temperatures are projected to remain above normal. The IMD has cautioned residents about moderate health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants, elderly individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Skies over the capital are likely to stay partly cloudy during this period, offering the little respite from the heat.
While the Delhi remains on the margins, several regions are entering full heatwave conditions. States including Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh are expected to experience heatwave conditions from April 21 to 23. Similar conditions are forecast across parts of Odisha. The IMD has also indicated that the temperatures across the northwest India may rise by 2°C to 4°C over the coming days. Eastern regions are likely to see an increase of 2°C to 3°C through April 21.
Several states, including West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand are predicted to face heatwave conditions in isolated pockets through April 23.
Relief during the nighttime hours is expected to remain limited. Regions such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh are forecast to experience persistently warm nights. In southern and coastal areas including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka and West Bengal high humidity levels are likely to intensify discomfort, compounding the impact of rising temperatures.
In contrast, northeastern and Himalayan regions are preparing for heavy rainfall and storm activity. Arunachal Pradesh is under a very heavy rainfall alert for April 20 and 21, with widespread rain and thunderstorms expected across the Assam and Meghalaya until April 23.
Hilly states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh may experience rain, snowfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching the 30 to 50 kmph. Bihar faces a heightened risk of thundersqualls with wind speeds up to 70 kmph on April 23.
The IMD has urged residents in affected regions to avoid prolonged exposure to heat, remain hydrated and limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours to reduce health risks.
