Heat wave alert: IMD warns 3 more days of 40°C+ temperatures in Delhi, UP, Rajasthan

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department on Sunday issued a heat wave alert for parts of northwest and central India, warning that scorching conditions are likely to continue over the next three days.The weather department said heat wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Bihar and Gujarat on April 27.Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest maximum temperature at 47.4°C on Saturday, according to IMD data. Daytime temperatures across most parts of the country were in the range of 40°C to 45°C, except the Western Himalayan region, northeast India, the west coast and southern parts of Peninsular India.For Delhi, the IMD forecast mainly clear skies becoming partly cloudy, with heat wave conditions at isolated places. There is a possibility of thundery development with a very light spell of rain towards the afternoon or evening on Sunday.

Warm nights add to discomfort

Adding to the misery, warm night conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, and over Haryana, Chandigarh and West Madhya Pradesh on Sunday and Monday. Chhattisgarh may see warm nights on Monday and Tuesday.Hot and humid weather is expected to prevail in isolated pockets over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, and Rayalaseema from Sunday through Thursday. Kerala and Mahe will also experience hot and humid conditions on Sunday and Monday.

When will temperatures drop?

The IMD forecast suggests no significant change in maximum temperatures over northwest India until Tuesday, followed by a gradual fall of 3-5°C on Wednesday and Thursday. Central India will see no significant change until Monday, with a drop of 2-3°C from Tuesday to Thursday.East India and northeast India will also see a gradual fall in temperatures by 2-4°C from Monday onwards. Maharashtra and Gujarat will experience a drop of 2-3°C starting Monday and Tuesday respectively.

Delhi govt activates heat action plan

With temperatures soaring and heat wave conditions intensifying, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday directed officials to strictly implement the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026 on the ground.Highlighting the growing severity of heat conditions, Gupta pointed out a worrying trend: Delhi has seen temperatures exceeding 40°C for nearly 40 consecutive days over the past two to three years.According to the Chief Minister’s Office, to protect school children, the government may administer ORS solution before they leave school, if required, to reduce the risk of dehydration during their commute. For construction workers, strict measures will be enforced during peak heat hours.

Health advisory for vulnerable groups

The IMD has classified affected areas under yellow and orange alert categories. In yellow alert areas, moderate heat is tolerable for the general public but poses a moderate health concern for vulnerable people, including infants, the elderly and those with chronic diseases.In orange alert areas, high temperatures increase the likelihood of heat illness symptoms in people exposed to the sun for prolonged periods or those doing heavy work. The IMD has advised people in these regions to avoid heat exposure, stay cool, drink sufficient water even if not thirsty, and consume ORS or homemade drinks such as lassi, lemon water or buttermilk to stay hydrated.The weather department also recommended wearing lightweight, light-coloured and loose cotton clothing, and covering the head with a cloth, hat or umbrella when outdoors.