New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, on Saturday issued an advisory as large parts of the country continue to face rising temperatures and heatwave-like conditions.
According to the latest assessment, daytime temperatures in several regions of northwest, central, and peninsular India are currently hovering between 40°C and 44°C, with Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan recording a peak of 44.5°C.
In many areas, temperatures are significantly above normal by around 5°C or more, signalling increasing heat stress conditions, according to an official statement.
The IMD has warned that heatwave conditions are likely to develop in isolated pockets of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and parts of central India over the coming days.
Coastal and eastern regions are expected to experience hot and humid weather, while warm night conditions may persist in parts of north India, adding to discomfort and health risks.
Weather forecasts suggest that temperatures over northwest India will remain largely stable until April 17, followed by a gradual decline. However, central India and adjoining regions may see fluctuating trends, with periods of rise followed by easing temperatures.
In view of the situation, the IMD has urged people to follow heatwave safety measures, such as avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and limiting outdoor physical activity during extreme heat. Special precautions have been advised for children, the elderly, and people with existing health conditions.
The forecast indicates that heatwave conditions may continue intermittently over the next week across parts of northwest and central India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha, as well as select southern regions like Kerala and Mahe. Coastal states such as Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are also expected to face humid conditions.
The IMD’s broader outlook for April to June 2026 suggests above-normal heatwave days in several parts of east, central, and northwest India as well as the southeastern peninsula, highlighting the need for sustained preparedness during the summer season.
The department has made detailed heatwave advisories, including safety guidelines and preventive measures, available on its official website and continues to monitor evolving conditions closely, issuing regular updates to help reduce health risks linked to extreme heat.
