IMD Issues Heatwave Warnings Across India: Forecast for the Next 6 Days Remains Bleak

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heatwave conditions over Northwest India during the next six days.

The weather department has also predicted hot and humid conditions in Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema till April 26.

Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and Meghalaya till April 27. Isolated places like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura may receive heavy rainfall. The met department also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds over the Northeast and Southern parts of the country over the next two to three days.

The rising temperatures are particularly harsh for informal workers and blue-collar workers, who are often exposed directly to the sun for long hours. According to PTI, more than 80% of Delhi's workers, including street vendors, construction labourers and ragpickers, face severe health risks and income loss due to extreme heat.

A report by the India Energy & Climate Center warns that affluent households in India are projected to add 130-150 million new room ACs between 2025 and 2035. Without targeted interventions, room ACs alone could contribute over 180 GW to India’s peak load by 2035, potentially straining the national power system. Given these extreme conditions, it is crucial to take necessary precautions to stay safe and protect vulnerable populations during periods of extreme heat.

Forecast for the Next 6 Days

Forecast for April 25: Heat wave conditions are predicted in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal & Sikkim, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Telangana.

Forecast for April 26: Heat wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, West Bengal & Sikkim, Bihar and Odisha.

Forecast for April 27: Heat wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh may experience heat wave conditions.

Forecast for April 28: Heat wave conditions likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh.

Forecast for April 29: Heat wave conditions likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh.

Forecast for April 30: Heat wave conditions likely in isolated pockets over Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh.

Forecast for May 1: Heat wave conditions likely in isolated pockets over Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh.