A blistering wave of heat is poised to envelop northwest India over the next six days, with Delhi likely to see daytime highs touching 42°C by April 6 or 7, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The alert, issued on April 4, covers a wide swath of the country including southern Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
The IMD predicts that maximum temperatures in these areas could spike by 2 to 4°C above normal levels in the coming days. This heatwave marks the onset of what meteorologists fear could be one of the longest and most severe summer seasons in recent memory.
Earlier this week, the IMD forecasted above-normal temperatures from April through June, especially in central and eastern India. Typically, India sees 4 to 7 heatwave days during this period — but this year, states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and eastern Uttar Pradesh may witness 10–11 heatwave days.
India experienced 536 heatwave days in 2023, the most in 14 years. This year is already following suit, with the first official heatwave declared on April 5. In fact, extreme heat was reported as early as February in some regions.
While heatwaves are a seasonal reality in India, scientists are sounding alarms about their rising frequency and intensity. A 2022 study warned the risk of extreme heat could increase tenfold, putting over 70% of India’s landmass at risk by the end of the century.
Meanwhile, Mumbai has been put on alert for thunderstorms due to soaring humidity. On Friday afternoon, the IMD issued a warning of light rain, gusty winds (30–40 kmph), and lightning expected over isolated parts of the city.
