- A severe heatwave is set to hit multiple Indian states over the next 48 hours.
- Temperatures may reach 40–45°C across northern, central, and eastern regions.
- Authorities warn of prolonged heatwave conditions through April to J
Summer has arrived, and it's brought the heat. A severe heatwave is set to sweep across multiple states over the next 48 hours, sending temperatures into a sharp climb, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
April 2026 began on an uncharacteristically mild note, as a series of active western disturbances brought unseasonal rain, hailstorms, and a pleasant chill that kept the summer sun at bay.
But now, meteorological forecasts suggest that from the plains of the north to the central heartland, citizens are being advised to brace for an intense dry spell as the summer season makes a defiant and scorching entry.
The IMD has issued a critical heatwave warning for isolated pockets across central and eastern India, marking a sharp transition into peak summer conditions this mid-April.
Above-normal heatwave days are now predicted to persist from April through June, blanketing a massive stretch of East, Central, Northwest, and Southeast Peninsular India.
From the coast of Odisha to the heart of Chhattisgarh, the surge in temperature is no longer just a forecast; it's a reality. The national capital and its surrounding regions are bracing for a blistering week as Delhi-NCR is set to breach the 40°C mark for the first time this season.
While the capital swelters, the situation is even more intense to the west and south. Parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are expected to see the mercury soar to 42°C-43°C, as a wave of hot air settles over the northern plains.
In Madhya Pradesh, residents in isolated pockets should prepare for heatwave conditions starting tomorrow, April 16, lasting through the weekend.
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Severe conditions are locked in for Vidarbha (April 15-18), while Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada will face the brunt of the heat through April 17. Cities like Nagpur, Bhopal, Amravati, and Bhubaneswar are expected to see the mercury hover between 42°C and 45°C through April 16, with local "hotspots" likely to see even higher readings.
To mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses, the public is advised to wear lightweight, breathable clothing and remain vigilant by closely monitoring official IMD updates as this prolonged heatwave evolves across the country.
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