New Delhi [India]: The national capital Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 40.5°C on Wednesday, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Delhi’s temperature was among the highest in the country, as several regions witnessed soaring heat levels.
Rising Temperatures Across India
IMD data showed that Ridge in Delhi recorded 40.1°C, marking a 6.3°C departure from the normal temperature range.
In Maharashtra, multiple cities surpassed the 40°C mark. Akola registered the highest temperature in the state at 42.0°C, followed by Brahmapuri (41.9°C) and Chandrapur (41.2°C). Other hotspots included Jalgaon, Amravati, and Nagpur, where temperatures ranged between 40.0°C and 40.4°C.
Madhya Pradesh also experienced intense heat, with Hoshangabad recording 40.9°C (3.9°C above normal) and Shivpuri reaching 40.0°C (5.7°C above normal). Meanwhile, Damoh, Guna, and Nowgong saw temperature deviations ranging from 4.1°C to 4.6°C.
In Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj recorded 41.6°C, while Jhansi reached 41.1°C (5.2°C above normal). Kanpur recorded 40.0°C, and in Rajasthan, Chittorgarh hit 40.5°C.
Other affected regions include:
- Chhattisgarh: Rajnandgaon (41.0°C, 7.8°C above normal)
- Telangana: Nizamabad (40.1°C)
- Andhra Pradesh: Nandyal (40.0°C)
IMD Predicts Doubling of Heatwave Days
The IMD has predicted nearly double the number of heatwave days across Northwest India this year. Typically, the region experiences 5-6 heatwave days per season, but in 2025, this is expected to rise to 10-12 days.
“We are expecting slightly above-normal heatwave conditions, especially over West and Central India. Generally, Northwest India sees around 5 to 6 heatwave days. This year, we expect 10 to 12 days, which is double the normal,” said IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy.
She clarified that this is a seasonal prediction and does not imply that all days will see extreme heat. The IMD will continue updating extended-range and daily forecasts for more precise local predictions.
While 2024 was India’s hottest year on record, with 554 heatwave days, officials have not yet commented on whether 2025 will surpass this record.
What Defines a Heatwave?
According to the IMD, a heatwave occurs when:
- The maximum temperature in plains reaches at least 40°C.
- The temperature is 5°C above normal levels.
The IMD’s Seasonal Heat Outlook for March to May 2025, released on February 28, warns that most of India will experience above-normal temperatures, except for the southernmost regions of Peninsular India and some parts of the Northeast, where temperatures may remain near normal or slightly below normal.
Upcoming Weather Trends
In the coming days, North India is expected to heat up further, with Delhi and nearby areas likely seeing a 1-2°C rise. However, relief may come as northwesterly winds bring a 3-4°C drop in maximum temperatures.
These dust-raising winds from Rajasthan, blowing at 20-30 km/h, will affect Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan for the next three days, creating dusty and dry conditions.
Delhi Residents Express Concerns
Despite the heat, crowds gathered at India Gate, where residents voiced concerns about the worsening summer conditions.
“Abhi se garmi itni zyada hai, May-June mein toh halat kharab ho jayegi (If it’s already this hot, May and June will be unbearable),” said Anil Sharma, a Delhi resident visiting with his family. Holding his son’s hand, he added, “Pichle saal bhi garmi thi, lekin is saal zyada lag rahi hai (It was hot last year too, but this year feels worse).”
Ritika Jain, a college student out for a picnic, shared a similar sentiment.
“Roz dhoop se bachne ki koshish karte hain, lekin garmi se rahat nahi mil rahi (We try to avoid the sun every day, but there’s no escaping the heat). Even sitting under the shade feels uncomfortable.”
As temperatures continue to rise, authorities advise residents to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.