Heatwave Tightens Grip on Delhi; Slight Relief Likely Next Week

A severe heatwave continues to impact Delhi and large parts of north and central India, with temperatures soaring well above normal levels. The capital recorded a maximum temperature of 41.9°C on Friday, which is 4.2°C above the seasonal average, marking a steady rise in heat intensity.

The Ridge station in north Delhi recorded an even higher temperature of 43.1°C, making it one of the hottest spots in the city. Meanwhile, Lodhi Road reported 41.8°C, and both locations met the official criteria for a heatwave.

🔥 Heatwave Conditions Intensify

According to the India Meteorological Department, a yellow alert has been issued for Delhi, indicating continued heatwave conditions through the weekend. Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 42°C and 44°C, with hot, dry winds (up to 35 km/h) offering little relief.

Across the country, the situation is equally intense:

• Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan) recorded 44.5°C, among the highest in India.
• Several states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, are seeing temperatures between 40°C and 44°C.
• The IMD has warned that temperatures may rise by an additional 2–3°C by April 29.

🌬️ Why Is It So Hot?

The ongoing heatwave is driven by:

• Dry continental winds from western regions
• Lack of cloud cover
• Delayed pre-monsoon activity

Additionally, a developing cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan is influencing weather patterns, though its cooling effects are expected to be limited initially.

🌦️ Relief on the Horizon?

Weather experts, including those from Skymet Weather, suggest that no immediate relief is expected on Saturday. However, a gradual change is likely beginning April 26–28, when:

• Light rainfall and thunderstorms may occur in parts of northwest India
• Delhi could see partly cloudy skies by Sunday
• Thundery activity is expected Monday evening
• Light rain may follow on Tuesday and Wednesday

This could bring a slight dip in temperatures, though not a dramatic cooldown.

🌡️ Widespread Heat Across India

The heatwave is affecting multiple regions:

• North & Central India: Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh
• Western & Southern regions: Gujarat, Vidarbha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, north Karnataka
• Eastern states: Odisha, Jharkhand

Even typically humid regions like Kerala are experiencing unusually high temperatures.

🌧️ Contrasting Weather: Heavy Rain in Other Regions

While northern India bakes under extreme heat, other regions are witnessing heavy rainfall:

• Northeast India (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh): Heavy to very heavy rain expected till April 29
• Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura: Rain with thunderstorms and strong winds
• Himalayan states (Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh): Rainfall between April 25–30

📊 What Counts as a Heatwave?

The IMD defines a heatwave when:

• Temperature exceeds 40°C, and
• It is at least 4.5°C above normal, or
• It reaches 45°C or more, regardless of normal levels