Delhi officially marked its first heatwave of the season as the temperature soared to a scorching 40.2°C on Monday, April 7, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi and surrounding areas, including Noida, forecasting intense heatwave conditions to continue until Wednesday, April 9.
However, relief is on the horizon, with a temperature drop expected by Thursday, April 10, due to an incoming western disturbance. In this article, we will discuss the current heatwave gripping Delhi-NCR, its implications, and what to expect in the coming days.
Delhi-NCR Heatwave: Current Conditions as of April 8, 2025
On April 7, Delhi’s base weather station at Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 40.2°C, a significant jump that qualifies as a heatwave. Other monitoring stations, such as Ridge and Ayanagar, reported even higher temperatures, peaking at 41°C. In nearby Noida, temperatures hovered around 40°C, with a maximum expected to reach 41°C on Tuesday, April 8, according to local weather updates. The minimum temperature in Noida was recorded at 24°C, offering little respite from the daytime heat.
The IMD defines a heatwave, when the maximum temperature reaches or exceeds 40°C, or when it deviates from the normal by 4.5 to 6.4°C. For hilly regions, the threshold is 30°C. Delhi’s current conditions meet this level, with temperatures running 3-4°C above the seasonal average, signaling an unusually early onset of summer heat.
As of 11:40 AM IST on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Delhi and Noida continue to bake under clear skies and dry, westerly winds, which are amplifying the heat. The IMD has warned that maximum temperatures could climb to 42°C in Delhi by Wednesday, while Noida’s forecast indicates a peak of 43°C midweek before a gradual decline.
Why Is This Heatwave Happening So Early?
Historically, Delhi sees temperatures hit the 40°C mark in late April. Like recently, IMD data shows that in 2022, the city’s first heatwave struck on April 8, with a high of 41.6°C—eerily similar to this year’s timeline. In contrast, April 2023 and 2024 were relatively milder, with temperatures reaching 40°C only on April 15 and April 26, respectively, and no official heatwaves recorded.
This year’s early heatwave is set to be caused by combination of these factors:
– Westerly Winds: Hot, dry winds blowing from Rajasthan and Gujarat are pushing temperatures upward across northwest India.
– Climate Change: Experts note that rising global temperatures are causing heatwaves to arrive earlier and intensify faster.
The IMD had previously forecasted a hotter-than-usual April-June period for 2025, predicting 10-12 heatwave days in northwest India compared to the typical 5-6. This early spike aligns with those projections, raising concerns about a prolonged and intense summer ahead.
Impact on Delhi and Noida: The heatwave is taking a toll on daily life in Delhi-NCR:
– Health Risks: The yellow alert indicates moderate health concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. The IMD advises avoiding heat exposure, staying hydrated, and wearing light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
– Air Quality: Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the ‘poor’ category, hitting 225 on April 7, worsened by dust and heat. Noida’s AQI was slightly better at 119, but still a concern for residents.
– Power Demand: Rising temperatures are driving up electricity consumption as air conditioners and coolers run overtime, straining the grid.
Weather Forecast: Relief by Thursday
While the heatwave is set to intensify over the next two days, relief is expected by Thursday, April 10. The IMD predicts:
– Delhi: Maximum temperatures could hit 42°C on April 8-9, with a drop to 38-39°C by April 10 as a western disturbance brings light winds and possible cloud cover.
– Noida: Temperatures may peak at 43°C on Wednesday, falling to 40°C by Thursday and further to 39°C by the weekend.
– Northwest India: A broader cooling trend is anticipated across Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan post-April 9, with potential thunderstorms in some areas.
The seven-day forecast for Noida shows a gradual decline after Wednesday:
– Tuesday, April 8: 41°C
– Wednesday, April 9: 43°C
– Thursday, April 10: 40°C
– Friday, April 11: 40°C
– Saturday, April 12: 39°C
How to Stay Safe During the Heatwave
With Delhi and Noida sizzling, here are some practical tips to beat the heat:
1. Hydrate: Drink water, coconut water, or electrolyte-rich fluids regularly, even if you’re not thirsty.
2. Dress Smart: Opt for light-colored, breathable fabrics and use hats or umbrellas for shade.
3. Avoid Peak Hours: Stay indoors during midday to minimize heat exposure.
4. Monitor Health: Watch for signs of heatstroke: dizziness, nausea, or rapid heartbeat and seek medical help if needed.
Conclusion: A Hot Start to 2025 Summer
With the IMD extending its yellow alert through Wednesday and predicting a peak of 42-43°C, residents must brace for a few more sweltering days. However, the promised respite by Thursday offers hope as cooler winds approach.
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