Severe Heatwave Alert: India Faces Extreme Rise in The Temperature
India faces a severe rise in the temperature with a terrible heatwave which may be expected to last till this friday. With April starting up, a heatwave of once-in-a-lifetime makes entrance as temperatures soar to unbelievable levels in multiple states. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave warnings for regions in Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Telangana and warned residents to take suitable precautions.
Rising Temperatures Across the Nation
In Delhi, the temperatures have climbed above 40°C which has prompted the IMD to issue a yellow alert. The capital had its highest maximum temperature so far this season on April 21st. Gurgaon is similarly looking at temperatures to rise by 5°C, with a heatwave alert extended for five days. Places such as Jaipur, and Patna are similarly experiencing conditions of extreme heat.
Odisha is currently experiencing a heatwave in which alerts have been assigned for the next 6 days, until April 26th. Residents there are experiencing high daytime temperatures, and moreover the warm and unusually humid nighttime temperatures are making it hard to recover at night. In Telangana, there is a red alert for northern districts because they are facing the heat and another rise in temperatures is anticipated after warnings from authorities that such temperatures may be detrimental to health and infrastructure.
Climate Change: A Driving Force
Recent scientific investigations reveal that anthropogenic climate change is a primary driver for the early timing and intensity of this year’s heatwave in India. Experts note that over the past several decades, the frequency and intensity of heat waves have substantially increased due to global warming. For example, the April 2025 heatwave has recorded temperatures that are greater than comparably long-lasting heat waves occurring before 1987, showing how climate change is fundamentally altering India’s weather.
Health and Safety Measures
The IMD and health authorities have advised the public to take precautions, especially for vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and those with comorbidities. General recommendations include:
- Staying hydrated with lots of fluids
- Not being outdoors in direct sunlight between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wearing light-colored clothing that breathes
- Wearing hats, umbrella, or scarves when out of doors
- Ventilating the home properly
Heatstrokes, dehydration, and sunburn are significant risks when near the heat, and timely intervention can be essential in saving lives. Have any queries on the weather? Check out this Guide by IMD.
Impact on Agriculture and Livelihoods
The intense heat is also affecting agriculture, as sustained high temperatures have caused thunderstorms and dry spells in some states like Bihar, damaging crops. The extreme temperatures followed by thunderstorms in certain states has been a double-edged sword for growers by damaging certain seasonal yields and several water sources. Farmers have reported stunted crop growth and increased irrigation needs in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and some parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Urban livelihoods are equally vulnerable to ambient heat exposures. Some of the most affected livelihoods include construction workers, delivery workers, and street vendors working outdoors, providing little comfort from the sustained exposure to extreme heat conditions. The economic losses associated with reduced productivity and anticipated health care expenses will likely rise in the coming weeks as a trickle down effect.
To Remember,
Heatwaves are no longer a rare or isolated phenomenon – they are becoming a normal summer event. As India is in the grips of this extraordinary heatwave, it has never been more urgent to take climate action, whether that is through policy reform, community-based action, or individual responsibility. Every action counts in making India’s future more resilient.
Stay safe. Stay informed. And remember: in times of crisis, awareness is empowerment. And to know more stay tuned with tuberbuddy!