New Delhi, April 23, 2025: As April inches toward its end, large parts of India are already in the grip of intense and prolonged heatwaves, with day temperatures surging to alarming levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh warnings for Central, Eastern, and Northern India, as the mercury continues to rise steadily, affecting millions across the subcontinent.
Central India Sizzles, Vidarbha Remains the Hottest Spot
In the latest wave of temperature spikes, Jharsuguda in Odisha topped the charts on Tuesday with a sweltering 46.2°C, five degrees above normal. Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, which has been battling extreme heat for four consecutive days, continues to reel under oppressive conditions. Cities like Chandrapur (45.8°C), Brahmapuri (45.2°C), and Akola (44.8°C) have become furnace-like zones.
The IMD notes that Vidarbha has had at least 11 days this month where daytime temperatures exceeded 42°C, including in cities like Nagpur (44.7°C), Yavatmal, and Wardha. Chandrapur, in particular, hit 45.6°C on Monday, marking its hottest April day since 2022, though still short of its all-time April record of 47.6°C (set in 2013).
Heat Spreads West to East: Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP Also Affected
April has been unusually hot across several other regions. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh have seen temperatures hovering between 42°C and 45°C on at least 10 to 15 days this month.
Temperatures soared in other cities as well:
-
Dhenkanal (44.7°C),
-
Sambalpur (44.6°C),
-
Raipur, Khajuraho, and Daltonganj (44.4°C each),
-
Ratlam (44°C),
-
Bilaspur (43.3°C),
-
Rajkot, Surendranagar, and Jamshedpur (43°C each).
North India Braces for the Heat
According to the IMD’s extended forecast, the scorching conditions are now making their way towards Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, with temperatures expected to rise by 2-3°C over the next seven days. The warning also covers Bihar, East Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Gangetic West Bengal, with heatwave conditions expected to persist till at least April 26–28 in several of these areas.
The daytime highs in parts of Central and Northwest India have already increased by 3°C in recent days, signaling the start of what could become one of the most brutal pre-monsoon heatwaves in years.
Nighttime Relief Limited, Humidity Adds to Misery
While nighttime temperatures have remained largely normal, the IMD has warned of warm and humid nights in Bihar, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and East UP through April 25. This means little relief for people even after sunset, as humidity and heat combine to make nights increasingly uncomfortable.
In Southern India, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and coastal Maharashtra are also experiencing hot and humid conditions. However, pre-monsoon showers over Kerala, Lakshadweep, and parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh could offer some short-lived relief from April heat.
Above-Normal Heatwave Days Confirmed for April
Earlier this month, the IMD had already predicted a higher-than-usual number of heatwave days for the 2025 summer season. As April progresses, that prediction is proving accurate, with multiple states witnessing back-to-back days of extreme heat—a clear sign of escalating climate stress.
IMD officials also warned on Wednesday that these heatwave spells may stretch into May, especially in interior and northern plains, unless early monsoonal developments intervene.
Health Advisory:
Officials urge people to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, keep hydrated, and avoid outdoor physical activity. Vulnerable groups — especially the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions — are advised to take extra precautions during this period.
As India swelters under the scorching sun, the heatwave of April 2025 is not just a seasonal nuisance — it’s a reminder of the growing climate volatility. With May approaching, the nation braces for what could be an even more intense summer ahead.
