Feeling hot? It's gonna get hotter. Here's when first 2026 heatwave will hit Delhi

North India braces for an intense heatwave as temperatures soar to 42–45 degrees Celsius across Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states, with the IMD warning of early extreme summer conditions and rising health risks.

In Short

• North India to face 42-45°C heat on April 21-22
• Delhi-NCR may see first heatwave if temps cross 42.2°C
• Possible rains by end of April may bring relief

With summer just getting started, parts of India are already feeling the burn.

If the already hot days are not enough, scorching temperatures are set to sweep across north India from April 21 to April 22, pushing maximums to 42–45 degrees Celsius in several states.

Eastern and central India are already sweltering under 43–45 degrees Celsius daily, and the heat is now getting worse.

HEATWAVE IN DELHI-NCR?

Weather forecasts paint a worrying picture for Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

In Delhi, the normal maximum temperature next week is around 37.7 degrees Celsius. If the mercury at Safdarjung observatory crosses 42.2 degrees Celsius, it will officially be declared the season’s first heatwave with a sharp 4.5 degrees Celsius above normal, meeting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) criteria.

Furthermore, the Global Forecasting System (GFS) model, a weather prediction system operated by the US National Weather Service, shows intense red-orange heat zones blanketing India's northern plains by April 23.

Cities like Chandigarh have already touched 40 degrees Celsius in recent days, which is five degrees above normal.

Such early spikes are becoming more common, thanks to changing weather patterns and climate change, putting millions at risk of heat-related illnesses, dehydration and power shortages.

WHAT IS A HEATWAVE IN INDIA?

In India, heatwaves are declared by the IMD when conditions meet specific thresholds.

The basic criteria require temperatures to cross 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius in coastal areas, and 30 degrees Celsius in hilly regions.

Beyond that, the temperature must also be at least 4.5 degrees Celsius above normal for two consecutive days for an official declaration.

When the actual maximum temperature hits 45 degrees Celsius or above, regardless of what's considered normal for that location, a heatwave is declared automatically.

A severe heatwave is triggered when temperatures reach 47 degrees Celsius or higher, and the criteria must be met at a minimum of two weather stations within a meteorological subdivision.

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE HEAT?

A simple but effective way to weather the extreme heat is to limit outdoor activities between 1 pm and 4 pm while temperatures stay below 45 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, couple that with constant hydration.

In a practical response to the rising mercury, authorities in Maharashtra’s Gondia have announced that all traffic signals will stay closed from 12:30 pm to 4 pm every day. The move aims to prevent motorists from idling under the blazing sun and keep traffic flowing smoothly during the hottest hours.

Similar steps have been taken in other heat-hit areas like Surat to protect drivers and reduce discomfort.

But it's also not all bad news and hot days. Certain indications point to possible rains by the end of April, which could bring some relief.

Until then, experts urge residents, especially the elderly, children and outdoor workers, to take extra care.

As India gears up for another long, hot summer, this early alert is a reminder, announcing that a scorching summer is here, and staying prepared can make all the difference.

- Ends