IMD Heatwave Alert for Delhi

Delhi is bracing itself for an intense heatwave this weekend as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for April 25 and 26, 2025.

The national capital is likely to experience soaring temperatures, with the mercury climbing above 40°C, triggering concerns over public health and air quality.

IMD Heatwave Alert: What to Expect

According to the IMD forecast, the temperature in Delhi is expected to rise significantly over the weekend due to clear skies and dry westerly winds. The IMD has issued a heatwave warning as temperatures in the region are likely to exceed 40°C, a significant departure from the normal temperature.

The weather conditions have raised alarms about the impact of high temperatures on the city’s residents, especially during daytime hours when strong winds and dry conditions are expected to persist.

The IMD heatwave alert indicates that temperatures in the capital will stay around 40–41°C during the day, with dry winds pushing temperatures further upwards.

When the highest temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius and deviates by 4.5 degrees Celsius or more from the normal, it is deemed a heatwave according to the International Meteorological Department's categorization; in the plains, this deviance surpasses 5 degrees.

What Is a Heatwave and How Is It Classified?

The IMD heatwave classification plays a crucial role in alerting citizens about the severity of soaring temperatures. As per the heatwave criteria, a heatwave is identified when:

• The maximum temperature exceeds 40°C and the departure from the normal temperature is at least 4.5°C.

• In the plains, the temperature rise should be above 5°C to qualify as a heatwave.

With temperatures approaching 41°C in Delhi this week, the IMD has declared a heatwave warning for the region.

This is expected to continue through April 25 and 26, with clear skies and dry westerly winds contributing to the rise in temperature.

Impact of High Temperatures on Delhi Weather

As per the weather forecast for April 2025, Delhi will experience an intense rise in temperature this weekend. The maximum temperature is expected to hover between 40°C and 42°C, while the minimum temperature will remain relatively cool between 20°C and 22°C.

These extreme temperatures are expected to persist through Saturday, with strong surface winds and clear skies expected throughout the day.

The heatwave could continue through the weekend, with a slight dip in temperature expected after Sunday as easterly winds return under the influence of a western disturbance.

However, the heatwave conditions will likely last until the end of April, pushing the residents to take necessary precautions against the hot weather.

Air Quality in Delhi: Poor Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Alongside the high temperatures, the air quality in Delhi has remained a major concern. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Delhi was recorded at 238 on April 24, indicating that the air quality remains in the poor category.

This AQI is considered harmful for the general population, especially those with respiratory issues or pre-existing health conditions.

The Delhi-NCR air quality remains a concern despite marginal improvement in certain parts of the region. With readings in the moderate range, areas including Gurugram, Noida, and Greater Noida have seen improvements in their AQI.

However, many parts of Delhi still face high pollution levels, which are expected to worsen due to the ongoing heatwave conditions.

How the IMD Forecast Affects Delhi's Weekend Weather

With temperatures climbing above 40°C this weekend, the IMD heatwave alert calls for heightened awareness regarding air quality and the safety of the residents. The air quality improvement seen in certain areas is still overshadowed by the high pollution levels in other parts of the region.

The AQI remains elevated, indicating that pollutants and poor air quality will continue to affect the city, especially during the intense heatwave period.

Tips for Coping with the Heatwave

Given the high temperatures expected this weekend, here are some tips to stay safe during the heatwave:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid heatstroke.

• Avoid direct sunlight and wear light, breathable clothing.

• Keep windows and doors closed during peak heat hours and use fans or air conditioning if possible.

• Do not go outside too much between the hours of 12 and 3, when the temperature usually reaches its peak.

• Follow the latest IMD forecasts for updated warnings on heatwave conditions.

Final Thoughts

The IMD heatwave alert for April 2025 highlights the growing concerns over the rising temperatures in Delhi and their impact on health, especially in a region already struggling with poor air quality.

With the temperature rise expected to cross 40°C, residents need to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the weather conditions.

As the capital battles high temperatures and poor air quality, continued awareness and action can help mitigate the impacts of the ongoing heatwave.