Pune: IMD Warns of Rising Heatwave Conditions Across India After Brief Thunderstorm Relief
Pune, 13th April 2025: After a short break brought on by thunderstorms in some areas, India is bracing for a fresh surge in heatwave conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said. The forecast indicates a sharp rise in temperatures across several regions in the coming days, with western and central parts of the country particularly vulnerable.
Maharashtra is expected to experience a brief spell of cooler weather, with a 2-3°C drop in temperatures over the next two days. However, the mercury is likely to climb again by 2-4°C soon after. Neighboring Gujarat is also on alert, with temperatures projected to increase steadily by 2-4°C over the next six days.
Northwest India, including parts of Rajasthan and Punjab, is likely to witness a more pronounced warming trend. IMD projections show a temperature spike of 4-6°C over the next week. Central India may see stable conditions for the next 24 hours, but a 2-3°C rise is expected to follow shortly thereafter.
Several heatwave alerts have been issued across the country. West Rajasthan may face heatwave conditions on April 14 and 15, with isolated pockets likely to see severe heat between April 16 and 18.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are expected to experience heatwave conditions on April 13. From April 15 to 17, Gujarat will be under heatwave alert. Between April 16 and 18, parts of Punjab, Haryana, East Rajasthan, and western Madhya Pradesh will also be affected, with particularly intense conditions forecasted for East Rajasthan on April 18.
Weather analysts are raising concerns about the unusually early onset of extreme heat this year. Typically, April marks the beginning of milder heatwaves, but this year the conditions resemble those usually seen in May.
“This year, we’re witnessing temperature spikes much earlier than expected. In cities like Jaisalmer and Barmer, the mercury has already touched around 45.6°C — levels we usually associate with the peak of the pre-monsoon heat.”
Regions such as Phalodi, Bikaner, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad are also seeing extreme heat much earlier than usual. Experts say that the early and intense heatwaves are linked to a decline in western disturbances, weather systems that typically bring cooler winds and suppress soaring temperatures in northern India during this season.
“When western disturbances are fewer or weaker, there’s nothing to counter the heating over the plains,” the meteorologist explained. “That’s what’s accelerating the rise in temperatures this year.”
As the heatwave builds, authorities are urging residents in affected areas to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours.
