India is currently under severe heatwave alerts as the summer sun beats down harder than usual, especially across northern, central, and eastern parts of the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded alarms for states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The temperatures in many of these places are expected to touch a sweltering 46°C in the coming days.
Severe Heatwave Alerts For North and Central India
From April 25 to 29, Haryana, including cities like Gurgaon, is under a strict heatwave alert. IMD has warned that temperatures could soar 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, potentially crossing 40°C. If the temperatures rise over 6.4°C beyond normal levels, the situation may be classified as a “severe heatwave.”
Delhi is also bracing for intense heat, with a yellow alert already issued for April 24 to 26. The city is expected to experience temperatures much higher than average. Residents in the capital are being urged to take precautions as this early onset of heat is pushing health risks higher.
Climate Change Driving Earlier, Longer Heatwaves
India usually experiences heatwaves from April to June. However, recent years have shown a worrying trend—these heatwaves are starting earlier and are becoming more frequent and intense. Experts point to climate change as the main driver behind this shift, with rising global temperatures leading to more extreme weather patterns.
This year’s severe heatwave alerts come much earlier than usual and have already led to discomfort and concern among residents and authorities alike.
Most Affected States and Regions
The most heatwave-prone regions lie in what is known as the “Core Heatwave Zone,” which spans across parts of Gujarat to West Bengal. This includes states like:
- Rajasthan
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Delhi
- West Madhya Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
- Odisha
- Vidarbha region in Maharashtra
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
These states typically face heatwave conditions every summer. However, this year, even areas that don’t usually see such high temperatures—like Sikkim, Kerala, and some parts of the southern peninsula—are now feeling the heat.
Mumbai Weather Update: IMD Issues Yellow Alert Amid Rising Heat and Humidity
Expanding Risk Beyond Traditional Zones
Recent studies show that almost 84% of Indian districts have experienced extreme heat at some point. Coastal states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are also showing increasing vulnerability.
What’s more concerning is that even hilly regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir—traditionally cooler zones—are now beginning to experience unusually high temperatures and heatwave-like conditions.
Health Advisory for the Public
With severe heatwave alerts in place, the IMD has issued important health advisories. Vulnerable groups, including infants, the elderly, and those with existing health issues, are at the highest risk.
Residents are advised to:
- Stay indoors during peak afternoon hours
- Keep themselves hydrated
- Wear light and breathable clothing
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
These basic precautions can go a long way in reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion.
In Summary
India is currently grappling with severe heatwave alerts across multiple states. The IMD has cautioned that this intense heat is likely to continue and possibly intensify over the coming week. As global warming continues to impact local climates, heatwaves are expected to become an even more common occurrence in the years ahead.
Authorities and citizens alike must prepare and act accordingly to stay safe during these extreme weather events.
