As summer tightens its grip, large parts of India are reeling under a growing heatwave. Temperatures are rising steadily, and there is little respite in sight.
Northwest India, particularly regions like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, remains firmly in the heatwave zone, where maximum temperatures are forecast to touch or exceed 42 degrees Celsius until April 13. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that dry northwesterly winds and clear skies will continue to drive up temperatures, making afternoons especially harsh.
Central India isn’t far behind, with states such as Chhattisgarh and interior Maharashtra also experiencing severe heat, especially in districts that miss out on the rain.
Parts of South India, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and interior Karnataka, may also continue to witness daytime temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, with the added discomfort of humidity following any scattered rain. While some rains over central and eastern regions may help ease temperatures temporarily, much of the country—especially the north and northwest—remains vulnerable to the heat.
A shift in the weather pattern is expected between April 11 and 13 in some parts of the country as they brace for rainfall while others continue to endure intense heat. Rain is likely to begin in parts of central India, including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, triggered by a trough extending from central Madhya Pradesh to southern Tamil Nadu, according to the IMD.
The rainfall may intensify on Saturday and spread across Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, northeastern states such as Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh can expect scattered showers with cloudy skies that are likely to persist through April 13.
Heatwaves can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, whose bodies are less equipped to regulate extreme temperatures. Prolonged exposure to intense heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion or even life-threatening conditions like heatstroke. If you're travelling during a heatwave, here’s what you can do to keep yourself safe.
Wet your skin using a damp cloth, a spray bottle or wet clothing.
Drink water regularly (one cup of water per hour and at least two to three litres per day). Avoid alcohol and too much caffeine.
Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day. If you go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses and apply sunscreen.
If you're planning a day in the park, find some shady sections for your picnic. The sun can be deceptively strong—particularly on windy days when you may not feel the rays' effects until you wake up the next day with a terrible sunburn.
Wake up early and do your outdoor sightseeing before 11 AM. Visit museums and other indoor attractions during the afternoon.
Book air-conditioned accommodation.
Use electric fans only when temperatures are below 40 degrees Celsius. In temperatures above it, fans will heat the body.
Recognise the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include dizziness, a racing heart, nausea, vomiting, headaches and fainting. Get emergency medical treatment if you encounter any of these symptoms.
Water activities can cool you off and help you control your body temperature. Swimming, snorkelling and kayaking are excellent options for staying cool during a heatwave. Never swim alone and always swim within your swimming abilities.
Always check the weather before you leave your accommodation. Whether you're flying or driving, check for weather warnings and advisories ahead of time.
(With inputs from multiple news sources)
