April 27, 2026
A severe heat wave that pushed temperatures above 45°C in parts of northern India is expected to ease in Delhi over the coming days, while other regions will continue to swelter.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall for the capital on April 28 and 29. Delhi recorded a maximum of about 42.1°C on Monday. The IMD issued a yellow heat wave alert for New Delhi last week; a heat wave is defined when daytime maximum temperatures exceed 40°C. Officials say Delhi’s maximum temperature should remain largely unchanged over the next 24 hours, then fall by 4–6°C across the following three days.
Despite the expected respite in the capital, extreme heat has affected large areas of the country. Several locations in northern India exceeded 45°C during the past week. States including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Odisha reported above-normal readings, with many districts experiencing hot to extremely hot conditions. Western Maharashtra’s Akola recorded 46.9°C, according to the IMD.
The weather agency warned that scorching conditions are likely to continue over parts of northwest and central India for the next three days, maintaining high heat-related risks for vulnerable people, outdoor workers and livestock. Authorities have been monitoring conditions and issuing advisories; the forecast rain and thunderstorms should provide limited but timely relief for the capital.
As temperatures begin to ease in some areas, other regions will still need sustained heat-preparedness measures: stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and make sure support is available for those most at risk from extreme temperatures.