Heatwave to Scorch Delhi, North India; Storm Alerts Issued for East

As temperatures soar, Delhi and much of North India brace for a severe heatwave, while eastern states face storm and hail alerts, according to the IMD.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an intense heatwave across Delhi and several northern states this week. From April 14 onwards, Delhi is expected to see daytime temperatures climb to 38–42°C, with little to no relief at night.

Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh are under heatwave warnings, with western Rajasthan likely to be the worst affected between April 16 and 18. Parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh will also begin to experience scorching temperatures starting April 15.

“Day temperatures are expected to rise by 3 to 5°C in the next 5–6 days across northwest and central India,” the IMD said in its latest bulletin.

In several northern states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, temperatures have already risen by 2 to 4°C. Many areas are now registering highs between 36 and 38°C.

West Rajasthan has reported the highest so far, exceeding 44°C, while Gujarat recorded 43.6°C in some parts. These figures are expected to rise further as hot, dry conditions persist.

Delhi will remain under clear skies for most of the week. On April 14 and 15, highs of up to 41°C are expected, followed by possible partial cloud cover on April 16. However, the IMD warns that isolated parts of the capital could experience heatwave conditions.

Night temperatures will range between 21°C and 25°C, providing limited relief from the daytime heat.

In contrast to the hot and dry conditions in the north, eastern states are expected to see unstable weather. Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning through April 16.

The IMD has also warned of hailstorms in Jharkhand on April 14 and 15, and heavy rain in Odisha on April 15 and 16. Assam and Meghalaya are forecast to see heavy rainfall between April 14 and 16, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h.

“These weather events may bring relief from the heat but could disrupt local infrastructure, especially in areas vulnerable to lightning or waterlogging,” an IMD official said.

India’s weather patterns are currently influenced by western disturbances and other regional atmospheric systems, contributing to rising temperatures in the north and unstable conditions in the east.

Experts warn that frequent and intense heatwaves are becoming more common due to climate change, and April is typically when temperatures begin to spike in northern India.

The IMD has advised people in affected regions to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions during peak afternoon hours.

Meanwhile, residents in eastern states should remain cautious of severe weather alerts and prepare for temporary disruptions.