**Severe Heatwave Predicted for Northwest and Central India**
**Meta Description:** Northwest and central India brace for a heatwave, with temperatures soaring up to 42°C. The IMD warns of above-normal temperatures through June.
**URL Slug:** northwest-central-india-heatwave-april-2023
As the month of April unfolds, northwest and central India is set to endure a scorching week, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting heatwave conditions for the next six days. In Delhi, temperatures are expected to soar to around 42 degrees Celsius by April 6 or 7. The states likely to be affected by this heatwave include Delhi, southern Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and western Madhya Pradesh. During this period, daytime temperatures in these regions could increase by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has also issued a broader seasonal warning, forecasting above-normal temperatures across much of India from April to June. Typically, the country experiences four to seven heatwave days during this timeframe. However, states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and northern parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are expected to see more heatwave days than usual.
Last year, India recorded 536 heatwave days, marking the highest count in 14 years. This year, the first heatwave was noted as early as April 5, with unseasonably high temperatures reported as early as late February. On Saturday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 35.7 degrees Celsius, approximately 1.7 degrees above the average, with morning humidity levels at 47% and air quality categorized as ‘moderate’ with an AQI of 161.
For today, the weather department forecasts mainly clear skies accompanied by persistent heatwave conditions. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 39 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Experts caution that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of heatwaves in India, with studies indicating that over 70% of the country could face significant heatwave risks in the 21st century.
**FAQ Section**
**Q: What areas in India are most affected by the current heatwave?**
A: The current heatwave is primarily affecting northwest and central India, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
