The effects of extreme heat are now being felt across the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), working under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has issued a heat wave warning in view of the rising temperatures across the country. According to the latest IMD data, temperatures have reached between 40°C to 44°C in many parts of north-west, central and peninsular India. The highest temperature—44.5°C—was recorded in Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan). In many areas, temperatures have been recorded up to 5°C above normal, leading to heat stress.
Which areas are most affected?
According to IMD, the heat wave situation may become more severe in these areas in the coming days:
**North-West India:** Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
**Central India:** Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha
**Parts of South India:** Kerala and Mahe
Apart from this, hot and humid weather is expected to continue in coastal states like Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, while in North India, people’s troubles may further increase due to hot nights.
Temperature crosses 45 degrees in Delhi
The intensity of the scorching heat in Delhi is continuously increasing, and now the temperature has reached close to 45 degrees. The maximum temperature in the capital today was 44.5°C, with the mercury reaching a peak of 44.5°C in the Ridge area. At the same time, the temperature was recorded at 43.2°C in Aya Nagar, 42.8°C in Safdarjung and 42.6°C on Lodhi Road. A continuous increase in the maximum temperature has been observed in Delhi for the last several days, due to which the Meteorological Department has issued an alert. At present, there is no sign of any respite from the heat for at least the next week.
When can relief be expected?
According to IMD, there will be no significant change in the temperature in north-west India till April 27, after which a gradual decline in temperature can be seen. However, over central India and other areas, temperatures are expected to rise first and then gradually fall. Constantly rising temperatures have increased the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Children, the elderly and people already suffering from any disease have been especially advised to be more careful.
IMD’s main advice (do’s and don’ts)
* Avoid going out in the sun during the afternoon.
* Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
* Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
* Avoid doing strenuous physical work or exercise.
* Take special care of the health of children and the elderly.
Future Estimates (April–June 2026)
According to IMD’s seasonal forecast, heat wave may last for more days than normal between April and June in many parts of the country. The impact of heat is expected to be especially severe in north-west, central and eastern India. IMD has appealed to the people to keep an eye on the official information regularly and strictly follow the guidelines issued. Taking timely precautions and awareness is the most effective way to avoid this extreme heat.