New Delhi, April 25: The India Meteorological Department has issued a comprehensive heatwave advisory as temperatures continue to rise across several parts of the country, warning of likely heatwave conditions in multiple regions, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the IMD, maximum temperatures in northwest, central and peninsular India are currently ranging between 40°C and 44°C, with the highest temperature of 44.5°C recorded in Sri Ganganagar. In several areas, temperatures are reported to be above normal by 5°C or more, indicating an emerging heat stress situation.
The weather agency has forecast that heatwave conditions are very likely to develop in isolated pockets of northern states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, as well as parts of central India in the coming days.
The IMD said there is likely to be no significant change in maximum temperatures over northwest India until April 27, followed by a gradual decline. However, central and other regions may witness a continued rise before temperatures ease later in the forecast period.
Hot and humid conditions are also expected over coastal and eastern regions, including Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, while warm night conditions in northern plains are likely to intensify discomfort and health risks.
In its advisory, the IMD has urged citizens to take precautionary measures, including avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak afternoon hours, staying hydrated, wearing light and breathable clothing, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities. Special caution has been advised for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
“Early awareness and preventive action are critical in reducing heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” the IMD said, adding that heatwave conditions are expected to persist over the next seven days across large parts of northwest and central India, as well as select southern regions.
The department’s seasonal outlook for April to June 2026 indicates above-normal heatwave days in parts of east, central and northwest India and the southeast peninsula, underscoring the need for continued preparedness.
The IMD has made detailed heatwave guidelines, including do’s and don’ts and sector-specific advisories, available on its official website for public access. Authorities have advised citizens to stay updated through official forecasts and adhere to safety measures to minimise health risks.
The weather agency said it will continue to monitor temperature trends and issue timely updates as conditions evolve.
