The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that several parts Northwest India, including Rajasthan may experience heatwave conditions as temperatures are expected to increase by 2-3 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
A spokesperson from the IMD told Business Today that maximum temperatures of 44-46 degrees Celsius are likely to be recorded in some parts of Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions. However, temperatures are expected to fall in the first week of May due to thunderstorm, storm and rain activities, reported Business Today.
Meanwhile, the IMD predicted heatwave conditions for isolated pockets of Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh during April 27-April 29; Haryana during April 27-April 30; Himachal Pradesh during April 27-May 1; East Rajasthan on April 29 and April 30; and West Madhya Pradesh during April 29 and May 1.
Human Driven Climate Change
A study published in ClimaMeter, attributed the April 2025 heatwave conditions in India to human driven climate change, with only a minor contribution from natural variability.
The study further stated that the ongoing heatwaves in the country have pushed temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in New Delhi and spread across neighbouring states like Rajasthan, where labourers and farmers are struggling in extreme conditions. The heat has led to increasing reports of heat-related illnesses.
The study emphasised that April 2025 heatwave in parts of northern India cannot be solely explained by natural climate variability, notably the El Nino—Southern Oscillation.
Since the current phase is ENSO-neutral, the observed temperature rise—up to 4 degrees Celsius—is likely due to human-driven climate change, with only a minor contribution from natural variability.
The heat stress has also severely impacted agriculture, with crops unable to withstand the early heat and farmers facing water shortages. The extreme temperatures also led to an increased demand for electricity, worsening power shortages. The study also mentioned that overreliance on groundwater to partially counter the effects of the heatwave is damaging the aquifers of the region.
Beyond human health, the heatwave has affected essential services, education and food production. Experts warn that such climate extremes will continue to pose growing vulnerability for the country in the future.
