Heat wave alert: IMD warns Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan to see temperatures above 40°C for more than 3 days
New Delhi: India Meteorological Department A heat wave warning was issued for parts of northwestern and central India on Sunday, warning that hot weather is likely to continue over the next three days.The weather department said that heat wave weather is likely to occur on April 27 at isolated places in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Western Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Bihar and Gujarat.According to IMD data, Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded a maximum temperature of 47.4°C on Saturday. Daytime temperatures range between 40°C and 45°C in most parts of the country, except for the western Himalayas, northeast India, west coast and southern peninsular India.For Delhi, the IMD has predicted mainly sunny weather with partly cloudy weather and heatwave conditions at isolated places. Thunderstorms with light rain are possible Sunday afternoon or evening.
Warm nights can increase discomfort
To make matters worse, warm night weather is likely to occur at isolated places in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday and in isolated places in Haryana, Chandigarh and West Madhya Pradesh on Sunday and Monday. Chhattisgarh is likely to have warm nights on Monday and Tuesday.Hot and humid weather is expected to occur at isolated places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam and Rayalaseema from Sunday to Thursday. Kerala and Mahe will also experience hot and humid weather on Sunday and Monday.
When will the temperature drop?
The IMD forecast shows that there will be no major change in the maximum temperature in northwest India till Tuesday, followed by a gradual decline of 3-5°C on Wednesday and Thursday. Central India will not see significant changes until Monday, with temperatures expected to drop by 2-3°C from Tuesday to Thursday.Temperatures will also gradually drop by 2-4°C in eastern India and northeastern India from Monday. The temperature will drop by 2-3°C in Maharashtra and Gujarat from Monday and Tuesday respectively.
Delhi government launches heat action plan
As temperatures soar and heat wave conditions intensify, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday directed officials to strictly implement the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026.While emphasizing the increasing severity of hot weather, Gupta also pointed out a worrying trend: in the past two to three years, Delhi has had nearly 40 consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 40°C.According to the Chief Minister’s Office, to protect school children, if necessary, the government can give ORS solution to students before leaving school to reduce the risk of dehydration during commuting. For construction workers, strict measures will be implemented during peak heat hours.
Health consultation for vulnerable groups
The IMD has divided the affected areas into yellow and orange alert categories. In yellow alert areas, moderate heat is tolerable for the public but poses a moderate health concern for vulnerable groups, including infants, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.In Orange Alert areas, high temperatures can increase the likelihood of heat stroke symptoms for people who are exposed to the sun for long periods of time or who work strenuous tasks. IMD advises people in these areas to avoid heat, stay cool, drink enough water even if not thirsty, and consume ORS or homemade drinks like lassi, lemonade or buttermilk to stay hydrated.The meteorological department also recommends wearing light, light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothes when going out, and covering your head with a cloth, hat or umbrella.
