IMD’s Shocking Heatwave Warning: 2X More Extreme Days Ahead as Delhi Hits 40.5°C!

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that parts of India, especially the northwest, could face nearly twice the usual number of heatwave days this year. Delhi is already experiencing extreme temperatures, reaching 40.5°C on Wednesday, with little relief even in the early morning. The Centre has issued an urgent advisory to states, urging them to strengthen their healthcare systems and implement ‘Heat-Health’ action plans to tackle heatstroke and other related illnesses. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the need for dedicated treatment units, emergency response teams, and adequate drinking water supplies at healthcare facilities.

Several states, including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, are witnessing soaring temperatures well above normal. In the south, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have also recorded highs of 40°C or more. Authorities are under pressure to take swift action as IMD predicts more extreme heat events in the coming months. The focus remains on ensuring public safety, maintaining cooling systems, and mitigating the health risks associated with the intense summer heat.

IMD’s Shocking Heatwave Warning: 2X More Extreme Days Ahead as Delhi Hits 40.5°C!

Summer has arrived with a vengeance across India, pushing temperatures to alarming levels and sparking warnings of longer and more severe heatwaves. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark alert, predicting that parts of the country, especially in the northwest, could face nearly double the usual number of heatwave days this season. With Delhi already hitting 40.5°C this week, authorities are scrambling to protect public health and prepare communities for the scorching months ahead.

Delhi Roasts Under Relentless Heat

On Wednesday, Delhi’s mercury climbed to a blistering 40.5°C, making it one of the hottest cities in the country. The Ridge area, a key weather station, recorded 40.1°C—over six degrees higher than normal for this time of year. Even nighttime offered little relief, with early Thursday morning temperatures lingering at 19.5°C, well above the seasonal average. These figures signal a harsh summer ahead, raising fears of heat-related illnesses, power shortages, and increased strain on public infrastructure.

Central Government Steps In

Alarmed by the escalating crisis, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has urged state governments to review their healthcare readiness urgently. In a letter to state authorities, she emphasized the need to prioritize heatwave management to prevent avoidable deaths and hospitalizations. States have been instructed to:

• Activate Heat-Health Action Plans immediately.
• Set up specialized units in hospitals to treat heatstroke and dehydration cases.
• Ensure emergency medical teams and ambulances are on standby.
• Maintain uninterrupted drinking water supplies at health centers.
• Inspect and repair cooling systems in hospitals, schools, and public buildings.

The advisory also highlights the importance of public awareness campaigns on hydration and avoiding midday sun exposure to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Heatwave Grips Multiple States

The heatwave isn’t confined to Delhi—several other states are also experiencing dangerously high temperatures:

• Maharashtra: Akola sizzled at 42.0°C, Brahmapuri at 41.9°C, and Chandrapur at 41.2°C.
• Madhya Pradesh: Hoshangabad recorded 40.9°C (4°C above normal), while Shivpuri saw a sharp 5.7°C spike to 40.0°C.
• Uttar Pradesh: Prayagraj and Jhansi endured highs of 41.6°C and 41.1°C, respectively.
• Rajasthan: Chittorgarh touched 40.5°C.
• Chhattisgarh: Rajnandgaon faced a staggering 7.8°C jump, reaching 41.0°C.
• Southern States: Nizamabad (Telangana) and Nandyal (Andhra Pradesh) crossed 40°C, signaling that even regions accustomed to heat are struggling.

The IMD attributes these extreme temperatures to delayed monsoon rains, shifting wind patterns, and broader climate change impacts.

Why This Summer Could Be Dangerous

Heatwaves aren’t just uncomfortable—they can be deadly. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and worsen pre-existing conditions such as heart disease. Vulnerable groups—including daily wage workers, the elderly, children, and homeless populations—are at the greatest risk. Past heatwaves, such as the 2015 crisis that claimed over 2,500 lives, underscore the urgency of preparedness.

However, many states lack the necessary infrastructure to cope with extreme heat. Power grids often buckle under surging demand for cooling, leading to blackouts. Urban areas, with their concrete landscapes and limited green cover, turn into “heat islands,” trapping warmth and making nights unbearable.

What Needs to Be Done?

The Centre’s advisory highlights key steps:

1. Early Warning Systems – Use SMS alerts, radio, and community networks to notify people about peak heat hours.
2. Cooling Shelters – Convert schools, community halls, and religious centers into shaded spaces with water supplies.
3. Workplace Adjustments – Enforce midday breaks for outdoor laborers and provide hydration stations at construction sites.
4. Healthcare Training – Train rural health workers to identify and treat heat-related illnesses swiftly.
5. Water Security – Ensure tanks and pipelines in drought-prone areas are functional to prevent shortages.

A Long-Term Challenge

While immediate action is critical, experts stress the need for long-term solutions to combat rising temperatures. Planting urban forests, promoting energy-efficient cooling, and revising city-building codes to incorporate heat-resistant materials could help mitigate future risks. According to the World Bank, by 2030, heatwaves could threaten 34 million jobs and cost India 2.8% of its GDP, highlighting the economic stakes.

The Road Ahead

With the IMD forecasting more extreme heat in the coming weeks, the clock is ticking for states to act. Delhi’s early surge to 40°C is a grim preview of what lies ahead. For millions of Indians, survival this summer will depend on how effectively governments implement preparedness measures—ensuring hospitals are equipped, water is accessible, and communities are informed.

The message is clear: This isn’t just another hot summer. It’s a wake-up call for India to build long-term resilience against a warming world.