Heat waves in northwestern India may be in India over the next six days; temperatures in Delhi may soar to 42 degrees Celsius in the next six days;

Represents images only. File | Image source: Hindu

“Northwest India may witness heatwave conditions in the next six days, with temperatures expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius in Delhi,” the Ministry of Meteorology of India (IMD) said on Friday (4 April 2025).

Areas that may be affected include Southern Haryana, Delhi, Northwestern Europe, Himaal Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Western Madhya Pradesh.

What is heat wave?

The IMD said that during this period, the maximum temperature in many parts of central and north-west India is expected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. In Delhi, by April 6 or July 7, the daytime temperatures may reach 42 degrees Celsius in some places.

Earlier this week, the department said India is expected to see higher than usual temperatures from April to June, with more heat wave days in central and northwestern plains. Typically, India records four to seven heat wave days between April and June.

April to June is hotter than usual, and many states may have more heatwave days: IMD

The state may have more heat wave days than usual, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Odisha, chhattisgarh, chhattisgarh, telangana, telangana, telangana, and hra pardesh and and hra pardesh and Northernneart and karnataka and thamnataka and

During this period, some states, such as Uttar Pradesh (the eastern region), Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, may see 10 to 11 heat wave days during this period. Last year, India had an extremely severe summer, recording 536 heat wave days, the highest in 14 years. 2024 is also the warmest year in India and the world.

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This year, Heatwaves attacked parts of India as early as February 27-28. Its first heat wave was recorded on April 5 in 2024. Although heat waves are common during April and May, scientists say climate change makes them more frequent and intense.

A 2022 study said the risk of heat waves could increase 10 times in the 21st century. More than 70% of India’s land area may face severe heat waves. Data shows that 12 of India’s warmest years have occurred since 2006, and 2016 is by far the hottest year.