North India is being scorched by the season’s first heatwave, with temperatures soaring far above average across several states on Monday in the region’s first major heatwave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), West Rajasthan saw the worst heat, with many areas experiencing extreme heatwave conditions. Similar circumstances were noted in the Kutch and Saurashtra regions of Gujarat, as well as in isolated areas of East Rajasthan.

Three major meteorological stations — Safdarjung, Ridge, and Ayanagar — crossed the heatwave threshold, marking Delhi’s first official heatwave conditions of the year. The capital’s highest recorded temperature was 40.2°C. Since severe weather is predicted to last until at least April 9, authorities have urged locals to exercise caution and adhere to safety precautions.

The IMD has prolonged its current yellow signal for Delhi for a further two days in reaction to the growing heat. Tuesday’s weather prediction by the meteorological service forecasts clear skies and a continuation of the heatwave, with highs of 41°C and lows of about 22°C.

Extreme Temperature Disturbances Reported

Monday’s high temperatures in various areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Delhi were estimated to be 5 to 8°C higher than usual. Anomalies in temperature were also noted in the areas of Chandigarh, Haryana, and Punjab. With mercury levels climbing well above the seasonal norm, Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat were among the worst-hit areas.

The maximum temperatures in other areas, such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Telangana, and northern interior Karnataka, increased somewhat, by 1 to 4°C.

A few regions in the country’s east and south, however, defied the trend. Temperatures in Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Gangetic West Bengal were comparatively lower than average, ranging from 1 to 2°C below normal. Temperatures in the majority of other areas were near seasonal averages.

Also Read: China Expedited Digitalization Of National Ecological Monitoring Network, Says Ministry Of Ecology

Heatwave Advisories and Gradual Relief Ahead

As temperatures throughout Northwestern India, including Delhi, are predicted to gradually drop starting on April 10, some respite is anticipated, according to IMD estimates. However, the heatwave is expected to continue until then, especially in the already seriously impacted northern and western regions. North India is being scorched by the season’s first heatwave, and residents are urged to remain vigilant under continued heatwave advisories.

Also Read: Brazil Proposed Global Climate Change Council Ahead Of COP30 To Boost International Climate Action