The Ministry of Earth Sciences said on April 25, 2026 that the India Meteorological Department issued heatwave guidance and advisories as many regions faced above-normal heat. The latest assessment placed maximum temperatures in parts of northwest, central and peninsular India between 40°C and 44°C. The highest cited temperature was 44.5°C at Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. In several regions, temperatures were markedly above normal by 5°C or more, indicating a developing heat-stress situation.
The department said heatwave conditions were very likely in isolated pockets of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and central India over the coming days. Hot and humid weather was expected over coastal and eastern regions, while warm night conditions were likely in parts of north India, increasing discomfort and health risk. No significant change in maximum temperatures was expected over northwest India until April 27, followed by a gradual fall. Central and other regions could see a gradual rise and then a decline.
The advisory asked citizens to avoid prolonged direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, wear light and breathable clothes, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity in high-temperature periods. Special care was advised for children, elderly persons and people with pre-existing health conditions. The department said early awareness and preventive action are crucial to reduce heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Its extended outlook projected heatwave conditions over the next 7 days in northwest India, central India and select southern regions including Kerala and Mahe, while seasonal guidance for April to June 2026 warned of above-normal heatwave days in several regions.