Delhi witnessed an intense and blistering start to the week as it recorded the highest temperature of the season so far, with the mercury soaring to 40.2 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung weather station on Monday. This temperature is a staggering 5.1 degrees above the normal seasonal average, and comes amid an escalating heatwave alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The alert covers not only the national capital but also large swathes of northwest and central India, where temperatures are projected to remain alarmingly high for the coming days.
In Palam, the maximum temperature reached 39.5 degrees Celsius, which is around four degrees above the usual average for this time of the year. The rising temperatures across the capital have triggered a yellow alert, in effect for Monday and Tuesday, indicating the onset of heatwave conditions and a potential health risk, particularly to infants, the elderly, outdoor workers, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
The IMD has warned that from Monday through Wednesday, maximum temperatures in various parts of Delhi are expected to fluctuate between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius, accompanied by dry, hot winds and a noticeable drop in humidity levels. The abrupt rise follows a trend of increasing heat, with Sunday’s maximum temperature recorded at 38.2 degrees Celsius, already three degrees above the norm, and Saturday’s reading standing at 35.7 degrees. Notably, until now, the previous season high was 39 degrees Celsius, observed just a few days ago on April 3, making Monday’s record-breaking temperature all the more concerning.
To compound the situation, Delhi’s air quality continues to linger in the ‘poor’ category, further exacerbating public health risks. High temperatures combined with air pollution and dust particles pose a significant challenge for citizens, particularly those suffering from asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Health experts have advised people to limit outdoor activities, wear light and breathable clothing, and stay well-hydrated to avoid heatstroke and dehydration.
The heatwave warning extends beyond Delhi, with the IMD forecasting similar conditions across northern and central parts of the country. Isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh are likely to witness heatwave-like conditions on April 7, while Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab are expected to be affected from April 7 to 10. In western Uttar Pradesh, the oppressive heat is anticipated to last from April 7 to 9, and in Madhya Pradesh, from April 8 to 10. Several local governments are on high alert, preparing emergency measures to provide relief, especially in rural areas where access to cooling systems is limited.
The IMD has also highlighted that over 21 cities across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, and Maharashtra may record dangerously high daytime temperatures in the coming days. These include Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, and Jaipur, where officials are likely to implement heat action plans, set up cooling stations, and issue public service announcements advising citizens to avoid stepping outdoors during peak sunlight hours.
This year’s early and aggressive heatwave is being attributed to a combination of climate change, global warming, and the residual effects of El Niño, all of which have contributed to rising global temperatures. Meteorologists have already expressed concern that 2025 could surpass 2024 as one of the hottest years on record, with India’s pre-monsoon season becoming increasingly unbearable.
In view of the current weather pattern, experts warn that if urgent climate and adaptation measures are not implemented soon, extreme weather events like these will become more frequent and more intense, placing an enormous strain on public health systems, agricultural productivity, and urban infrastructure across India.
