After a brief spell of rain and gusty winds that provided temporary respite, the capital city of Delhi is now on high alert as temperatures are expected to climb sharply in the coming days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave conditions are forecast to develop in isolated pockets of the National Capital Region beginning Wednesday, April 16. With summer intensifying across north and central India, weather experts are urging caution as mercury levels continue to rise.

On Tuesday, April 15, Delhi is expected to see largely clear skies, allowing solar radiation to reach the surface unimpeded. As a result, the city will likely record maximum temperatures in the range of 39°C to 41°C. However, by Wednesday and Thursday, the maximum temperature could climb to a blistering 42°C, marking the early onset of summer heatwaves in the region. These conditions are expected to persist for several days, potentially affecting health, agriculture, and energy demand.

The rise in temperature is not just limited to the daytime. Nighttime minimum temperatures are also expected to remain high, ranging between 22°C and 24°C. The lack of significant cooling after sunset means residents may find little relief even at night, a common characteristic of heatwave conditions. Prolonged exposure to such temperatures, especially with minimal diurnal variation, raises concerns over heat stress, dehydration, and overall public health.

Authorities have already begun issuing advisories for residents. People are being strongly encouraged to remain indoors during peak heat hours—typically between 12 noon and 4 p.m.—and to wear light, breathable clothing. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has also recommended staying well-hydrated, using umbrellas or hats when outdoors, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Special precautions are being advised for children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions, who are especially vulnerable to the effects of heat.

Farmers in and around Delhi are also being urged to take preventive measures to safeguard their crops and livestock. The Department of Agriculture has suggested that farmers irrigate their fields during early morning or late evening hours to reduce evaporation loss and avoid heat stress on crops. Livestock should be kept in shaded areas with ample drinking water to prevent heatstroke. The rising temperatures could impact wheat harvesting and the health of perishable produce if precautions are not observed.

While Delhi is preparing for a surge in temperatures, it is not the only region facing extreme weather. The IMD has also issued heatwave to severe heatwave warnings for parts of Rajasthan, where the temperatures are expected to remain exceptionally high until at least April 19. Cities such as Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer are already experiencing sweltering conditions with maximum temperatures inching towards 44°C in some places. The desert state’s dry winds and lack of cloud cover further exacerbate the discomfort.

In addition to Rajasthan, other states including Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and western parts of Madhya Pradesh are also expected to be gripped by intense heat. Between April 15 and April 18, these areas will likely witness a sharp uptick in temperatures, with daily highs crossing the 40°C threshold. Western India, in particular, is facing a compounded risk due to low humidity levels, which heighten the chance of dehydration and sunstroke.

Interestingly, while large swathes of northwest and central India face searing heat, some eastern and hilly regions are forecast to experience scattered rainfall and thunderstorms. The IMD has predicted that states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of West Bengal may witness light to moderate rain showers in the coming days. These weather patterns are being influenced by western disturbances—mid-latitude weather systems that bring moisture-laden winds from the Mediterranean into the Indian subcontinent.

Himachal Pradesh, known for its temperate climate and snow-capped peaks, may receive sporadic rain and isolated hailstorms at higher altitudes. While this could bring temporary relief from warm conditions in places like Shimla and Manali, it may also pose risks such as landslides or flash flooding, particularly in vulnerable hill districts. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are expected in districts such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and even some parts of the Gangetic plains, including Kolkata.

This stark contrast between the northern plains and the hill states highlights the diverse climatic realities facing India during the pre-monsoon season. On the one hand, the plains are scorched by rising temperatures, while the hilly and eastern regions benefit from brief but impactful wet spells. These differences are typical of the Indian subcontinent’s weather patterns in April, as the land heats unevenly, creating varying atmospheric pressures and localized weather systems.

Despite the upcoming rain in a few states, the broader outlook for the week remains one of rising temperatures and expanding heat zones. Meteorologists emphasize that April is a transition period, where early summer conditions begin to solidify before the arrival of the monsoon, which typically reaches the southern coast by early June. Until then, most of India will continue to experience heatwaves, dry spells, and occasional thunderstorms as part of the shifting seasonal dynamics.

In the short term, the focus remains on public awareness and preparedness. State and local governments are deploying heat action plans, distributing water in public spaces, and increasing the availability of shelters for vulnerable populations, including laborers and the homeless. Healthcare systems are being alerted to watch for a spike in heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

As summer settles in, the message from meteorological experts and public health officials is clear: the risks posed by extreme heat are real, and early precautions are key to minimizing its impact. Whether through staying indoors, adapting agricultural practices, or responding to medical emergencies, both individuals and institutions must act swiftly and responsibly to navigate the challenges of the rising mercury.