As North India reels under the intense grip of a severe heatwave, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued high-level alerts across Delhi-NCR and adjoining states. For the next 4-5 days, residents in cities like Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra, Mathura, Hapur, Meerut, and Bulandshahr are expected to face scorching daytime and unusually warm nights, marking the region’s first major heatwave of the season.
On Monday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 40.2°C at Safdarjung, nearly 5.1°C above normal. This marked the season’s first official heatwave in the capital. The IMD predicts similar conditions to persist for at least the next two days, intensifying the summer hardship for residents.
Rising Temperatures, Rising Alerts
The IMD has issued a “Yellow Alert” for Delhi until Wednesday, warning of high daytime temperatures around 41°C. With the nighttime temperatures also climbing, the discomfort index has sharply increased.
“In Delhi-NCR, the heatwave will likely continue until April 10, with a possible dip in temperatures after that due to thunderstorm activity,” said Dr. Naresh Kumar, a senior IMD scientist.
Across Rajasthan, temperatures are even more alarming. Barmer recorded a sweltering 45.6°C on Monday, the highest in the state. Several districts including Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Kota, and Chittorgarh have been experiencing temperatures between 44-46°C. A “Red Alert” has been issued in Rajasthan as both daytime heat and warm nights are expected to continue for another 48 hours.
Dust Storms, Rain Likely from April 10
Relief may arrive later in the week. Starting April 10, a fresh western disturbance is expected to influence the weather across northern and northwestern India. As per IMD projections:
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Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh may witness dust storms and light rain between April 9 and 11.
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Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand could see scattered rain and snowfall in districts like Chamba, Kullu, Kangra, and Pithoragarh.
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Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are on alert for lightning, thunderstorms, and hailstorms between April 9 and 10.
Weather Update from Other States
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Bihar: Districts like Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, and Purnia are likely to receive thunderstorms and rain with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph. Scattered rain with thunder is expected across the state till April 13.
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West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand & South India: Due to moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, states like Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are set to receive pre-monsoon rainfall. Heavy showers may disrupt daily life in cities like Bengaluru, which is already grappling with waterlogging and traffic snarls.
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North East India: Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur may experience moderate to heavy rain until Thursday.
Heat-Driven Power Demand Spikes
A recent report by Ember’s Global Electricity Review highlighted that electricity demand in India during April–June 2024 rose by 10.4% compared to the same period last year. The surge, largely attributed to air conditioner usage during prolonged heat spells, pushed fossil fuel-based power generation up by 1.4%. This trend is expected to continue into the summer of 2025.
Stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, keep hydrated, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are advised to take extra precautions.
