Orange alert in Delhi as heatwave grips city; scorching conditions to persist for 3 days

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said heatwave conditions are likely to persist over northwest and central India for the next three days, with a gradual improvement expected thereafter.

In its latest bulletin, the IMD reported heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh, while several areas in Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh are already experiencing widespread heatwave conditions.

Similar conditions are also likely in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, East Uttar Pradesh and north Rajasthan.

The weather agency advised people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight between 12 pm and 4 pm, use protective coverings like hats or umbrellas, and not leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

Orange alert for Delhi

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Delhi on Sunday, followed by a yellow alert for Monday. Areas including North, West, South and Central Delhi are currently under heatwave conditions.

Sunday marked the third consecutive day of a heatwave in the capital, with conditions expected to persist through Monday. Minimum temperatures are likely to range between 25–27°C, while maximum temperatures may hover between 43–45°C.

For April 27, the IMD has also forecast the possibility of light rain and thunderstorms in some areas later in the day, which may bring slight relief.

Temperatures soar across northern India

The heatwave is not limited to Delhi. Several parts of north, central and eastern India have recorded temperatures above 40°C.

In Lucknow, the mercury touched 42.5°C—about 3.4 degrees above normal.

A yellow alert has been issued in parts of Rajasthan, including Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur and Jaipur. Meanwhile, an orange alert is in place for several districts in Haryana, including Gurgaon, Faridabad, Palwal, Mewat, Rewari and Ambala.

According to the IMD, the ongoing heatwave is being driven by dry northwesterly winds and strong solar heating—typical factors behind early-season heat extremes in northwest India.