The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh heatwave warnings for multiple parts of Northwest, Central, and Eastern India including Delhi NCR where temperatures are forecast to touch 43°C. A Western Disturbance may bring some rainfall to select northern areas, but intense heat continues to affect millions across the country.
What Is a Heatwave and Why Is It Happening?
A heatwave is a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures, especially when compared to the usual climate of a region. According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature rises to 40°C or more in plains, 30°C in hilly areas, or when it is 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal for two or more days.
Causes of Heatwave
- High-pressure systems that trap hot air near the surface.
- Delayed monsoon or lack of pre-monsoon showers.
- Climate change, which has made extreme heat events more frequent and intense.
- Urban heat island effect, especially in cities like Delhi, where concrete and asphalt retain heat.
Delhi NCR Weather Update: Yellow Alert Issued
Delhi continues to sizzle with daytime temperatures expected to hit 43°C on April 25 and 26, as per the Regional Meteorological Centre. Minimum temperatures remain slightly below normal at 22-24°C, but highs are 2-4°C above the seasonal average.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi NCR, warning residents of ongoing heatwave conditions, driven by hot westerly winds. Relief is expected by the weekend, although daytime highs will still hover around 40-42°C. April 28 is likely to bring partly cloudy skies.
Nationwide Heatwave Alert: States on High Watch
Heatwave conditions have been flagged across a wide swath of India, including Northwest IndiaRajasthan, Punjab, Haryana. Central India Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh. Eastern India Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal
The IMD has extended heatwave alerts until April 29 for many of these states. In Jharkhand, districts like Simdega, Saraikela-Kharswan, and East & West Singhbhum are under yellow alert, with some regions already reporting temperatures above 43°C.
Rain Relief in Sight for Some Regions
Amid the heat, the IMD notes that a Western Disturbance active as a trough in the middle troposphere is influencing weather patterns in Northwest India, potentially bringing rainfall activity to certain areas. This could offer temporary relief to regions reeling under high temperatures.
Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and coastal Andhra Pradesh are also expected to face hot and humid conditions until April 26, though not under official heatwave warnings.
The Impact of Heatwaves: A Growing Concern
Heatwaves can have devastating effects on public health, agriculture, water supply, and electricity demand. The elderly, children, outdoor workers, and people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Heatwave impacts include
- Heatstroke and dehydration
- Crop failure due to dry soil and withering
- Increased energy use leading to power cuts
- Urban stress from poor water availability and pollution
IMD Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe During a Heatwave
- The IMD urges residents in heat-affected areas to take precautions:
- Avoid going outdoors between 11 AM and 3 PM
- Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothes
- Use hats, umbrellas, or wet cloths to protect from the sun
- Stay hydrated drink water regularly, even if not thirsty
- Check on elderly or ill neighbors
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