Heat Wave Alert: Delhi, UP, and Bihar Scorched by Heatwave; Mercury Crosses 46°C in Rajasthan; Relief Expected from Tuesday.

Several states across North India—including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Himachal—are reeling under the scorching grip of a heatwave. However, in some states, thunderstorms, cloud cover, and sporadic rainfall have offered signs of relief. The impact has been most severe in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, where mercury levels have hovered close to 46 degrees Celsius.

Banda emerged as the hottest district in Uttar Pradesh, recording a temperature of 46.6 degrees Celsius, while in Rajasthan, temperatures of 44.8 degrees were recorded in Kota and 43 degrees in Churu. The fact that mercury levels have crossed the 40-degree mark in 10 cities across Rajasthan underscores the widespread nature of this heatwave.

Heatwave Havoc in UP

The Meteorological Department has indicated that any relief over the next two days is likely to remain limited. In Uttar Pradesh, the relentless heatwave has disrupted daily routines in Banda and Prayagraj. In Kanpur as well, temperatures soared to 45.7 degrees. The heatwave is expected to persist until Monday, with some relief anticipated starting Tuesday.

Heatwave Conditions in Rajasthan

Heatwave-like conditions also persist in Rajasthan, where the intense heat is clearly evident across both the western and eastern regions. In Uttarakhand, the April heat has shattered a 17-year record. With temperatures in Dehradun reaching 39.2 degrees and a looming threat of heatwaves in the plains, the administration has issued precautionary orders to keep schools and Anganwadi centers closed—a measure that underscores the severity of the crisis triggered by this heat.

Mercury Crosses 40 in Haridwar

On Sunday, mercury levels also crossed the 40-degree mark in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar. Conversely, an ‘Orange Alert’ for hailstorms and lightning strikes was issued for the hilly districts. In Himachal Pradesh, heatwave warnings issued for Una, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Solan have made it clear that the heat is making its presence felt even in this hill state. Una recorded a temperature of 41.8 degrees, while several other locations recorded temperatures ranging from two to seven degrees above normal. In Bihar, however, the situation presented a somewhat different picture. Amidst the scorching heat, the weather appeared to take a turn starting Sunday.

Patna Reels Under Heat

A drop of 6.4 degrees in Patna’s temperature brought much-needed relief. However, Kaimur remained the hottest spot, recording a temperature of 43.5 degrees. A warning for thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls in North Bihar—coupled with 75.4 mm of rainfall in Kishanganj—signaled that pre-monsoon activities have begun to intensify in certain regions. Several cities in Madhya Pradesh continued to experience intense heat on Sunday as well. In Indore, the mercury touched 43 degrees Celsius for the first time in seven years. Meanwhile, the spell of severe heat continues in Chhattisgarh.

Heatwave Alert Issued

In the capital city of Raipur, the maximum temperature was recorded at 44.2 degrees, while the minimum stood at 28.3 degrees. The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert. Public life in the Jammu division—specifically in the districts of Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, and Udhampur—has been disrupted by the prevailing heatwave conditions. The heatwave is expected to persist in these districts for the next two days. For the past three days, the maximum temperature in Jammu has hovered around the 40-degree mark; meanwhile, temperatures in Kathua have remained above 40 degrees.