Delhi braces for heatwave as temperatures soar to 42°C

Delhi is heating up fast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of a heatwave gripping the capital from April 5 to April 8. During this period, temperatures may reach between 40°C and 42°C.

The heat began rising on Friday. Delhi recorded a maximum of 38.4°C—4.4 degrees above normal. The minimum stayed at 18.8°C. For Saturday, the IMD forecast strong surface winds and isolated heatwave conditions in some areas.

The heatwave will intensify starting Sunday. The regional weather office in Delhi expects maximum temperatures of 38°C to 40°C on April 5. On April 6, they may touch 41°C. By April 7 and 8, the capital could face peak temperatures of 42°C. Nights will remain relatively cool, with minimums between 20°C and 23°C.

Alongside Delhi, the IMD issued warnings for several north Indian states. These include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch may also experience scorching days.

From April 5 to April 9, heatwave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of south Haryana, Delhi, and west Uttar Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh may see heat spikes from April 5 to 7. Rajasthan and Gujarat may remain under heat stress till April 10.

Additionally, hot and humid weather will prevail across Gujarat and the Konkan-Goa region from April 5 to 10. The IMD expects similar conditions in parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

This summer may bring more extreme heat. Earlier this week, the IMD predicted higher-than-normal temperatures from April to June across India. The number of heatwave days is also expected to rise, especially in the central, eastern, and northwestern regions.

Normally, India sees four to seven heatwave days in these three months. This year, states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh may face 10 or more such days. Eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of southern India may also experience prolonged heat spells.

Last year, India recorded 536 heatwave days—the most in 14 years. Globally and nationally, 2024 ranked as the hottest year ever. Now, 2025 is shaping up to challenge that record.

However, some regions may see relief through rain. The IMD expects light to moderate rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on Saturday. Thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 40-50 kmph may hit districts like Coimbatore, Erode, and Salem.

From April 6 to April 10, scattered rainfall may continue in South India. Odisha, the Northeast, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may also get brief showers on April 5 and 6. Hailstorms are likely in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Kerala, Mahe, and Arunachal Pradesh may also witness isolated heavy rainfall during this period.

Despite the scattered showers, large parts of India must prepare for intense heat. The IMD urges people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and follow safety precautions. With April just beginning, the worst may still lie ahead.