Heatwave sweeps cities: What to expect ahead?

With heatwave conditions intensifying across several cities, high daytime temperatures are expected to persist in the coming days. Some regions may see a slight dip due to changing weather systems, while others could continue to experience hot and humid conditions, with brief spells of rain offering limited relief.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 26.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 2.4 notches below the seasonal average. The weather department has forecast partly cloudy sky with an orange alert for heatwave-like conditions at isolated places by the evening. The maximum temperature is expected to reach around 44 degrees Celsius.

Mumbai recorded a maximum of 35.8°C, 2.2°C above normal, with humidity levels around 68%. Parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including Thane, touched 39°C. IMD has issued a yellow alert for hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets.

Bengaluru is seeing temperatures hover around 35°C, but the actual feel is much higher. Rising heat has led to a sharp drop in activity across key markets, with traders reporting a 30–50% fall in footfall as people avoid stepping out during late morning and afternoon hours.

Chennai is expected to see temperatures rise further, with levels likely to breach 40°C in the first week of May. Currently, the city is recording 37–38°C, with humidity between 67% and 77%, making conditions feel significantly hotter than actual readings.

Ramagundam, Mancherial, Kothapet and Adilabad featured in the global top 100 hottest cities list. All recorded temperatures between 43°C and 44.4°C, reflecting prevailing heatwave conditions across the region.

Barmer recorded 45.7°C, 5.4°C above normal, the highest in the state. Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur also crossed 44°C. Temperatures are likely to rise further by 1–2°C in parts of the state.

UP’s Banda recorded 47.4°C, equalling its highest April temperature since 1951. Many districts across the state recorded temperatures above 42°C, driven by clear skies, hot westerly winds from Rajasthan and prevailing dry weather conditions.

Bhopal recorded 42.5°C, marking its hottest April day in four years. Elsewhere, Khajuraho recorded 44.6°C. The Met department has forecast continued heatwave conditions across multiple districts in the coming days.

Kochi and other districts are likely to see temperatures rise 3–4°C above normal. Palakkad may record around 40°C. IMD has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall in parts of the state between April 29 and May 1.

Faridkot recorded 45.2°C, while Rohtak touched 44.6°C. Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions prevailed across parts of Punjab and Haryana, with maximum temperatures ranging between 40°C and 45°C along with warm night conditions.