Maharashtra Among Worst-Hit as Heatwave Scorches India; Over 20 Cities Cross 42°C in Early April
Scorching Maharashtra: Pune Hits 42°C, Chandrapur Records India’s Highest at 45.6°C
Mumbai, April 10: India is in the grip of an unrelenting heatwave as over 20 cities across the country have already recorded temperatures above 42°C in the first week of April. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts for dangerously high temperatures, particularly affecting regions including Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
In Maharashtra, the heatwave has intensified to the extent that a road near the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters in Mumbai reportedly melted under the soaring heat. The city recorded a temperature of 34°C on Wednesday, accompanied by oppressive humidity. A ‘yellow’ alert has been issued by the IMD for Mumbai, highlighting moderate health risks to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
Across other parts of the country, the situation is equally severe. Rajasthan’s Barmer registered a scorching 46.4°C, Jalgaon in Maharashtra touched 42.5°C, and Delhi recorded 40°C during the day. The capital also experienced an unusually warm night with temperatures reaching 25.6°C — the warmest April night in three years. Compounding the heat, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to an AQI of 209, falling into the ‘poor’ category.
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The IMD has confirmed that 27 weather stations in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh have reported temperatures of 43°C or higher. Out of these, at least 19 locations have been classified under the “heatwave to severe heatwave” category, indicating escalating climate stress across the nation.
Experts warn that this early onset of extreme temperatures signals a long and difficult summer ahead. In Uttar Pradesh, temperatures are projected to remain above 40°C well into June, with Bundelkhand expected to bear the brunt of the heat. Delhi, Rajasthan, and other northern regions continue to feature prominently in this growing climate crisis.
Southern India, on the other hand, is witnessing unpredictable and contrasting weather patterns. Telangana has seen alternating bouts of intense heat and cooling showers, particularly in cities like Hyderabad and Nizamabad. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh is bracing for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until April 13 due to a low-pressure area and cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal.
While these storms may bring short-term relief, the IMD cautions that they also raise the risk of flash floods and wind-related damage.
As the country braces for prolonged heat and erratic weather conditions, the IMD continues to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and stay updated with official advisories.
