Heatwave alert: Delhi among hottest cities in India, Centre writes to states to gear up for mercury spikes
In a letter to states, Union Health Secretary said an increase in the exposure to heat, including extreme conditions, may occur with the onset of summer.
As temperatures across the country soar with the summer season setting in and upcoming heatwave days, the Centre has asked states to review the preparedness of health facilities for the management of heatstroke cases and heat-related illnesses.
In a letter to states, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said an increase in the exposure to heat, including extreme conditions, may occur with the onset of summer.
Some places of the country have begun witnessing high temperatures, Punya Salila noted while enclosing the Seasonal Outlook from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for summer 2025.
Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted nearly double the number of heatwave days across Northwest India this summer.
Heatwave | Top updates
— Centre writes to states over heatwave: Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Thursday wrote to statest asking all health departments to ensure the implementation of ‘Heat-Health’ action plans and support in planning, managing and assessing response to heat along with other responding agencies. The Union Health Secretary said the guidance on developing heatstroke management units and emergency management of severe heat-related illnesses has been disseminated. Availability of sufficient drinking water at all health facilities and the continued functioning of cooling appliances in critical areas must be ensured, she said.
– Delhi: Delhi is among the cities recording the highest temperature across the country, with the mercury on Wednesday reaching 40.5 degrees Celsius, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). According to IMD data, Ridge in Delhi recorded a temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, 6.3 degrees Celsius more than the normal range. Delhi on Thursday recorded a minimum temperature of 19.5 degrees Celsius, 1.4 degrees above the season's average.
Also Read: At 40 degrees, Delhi sees hottest day of 2025; IMD predicts heatwave across north India
– Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, multiple cities recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Akola reported the highest temperature in the state at 42.0 degrees Celsius, with a departure of three degrees Celsius. Brahmapuri recorded 41.9 degrees Celsius, while Chandrapur saw 41.2 degrees Celsius. Other locations, including Jalgaon, Amravati, and Nagpur, recorded maximum temperatures ranging between 40.0 degrees Celsius and 40.4 degrees Celsius.
– Madhya Pradesh: The IMD data further showed that parts of Madhya Pradesh also experienced high temperatures. Hoshangabad recorded 40.9 degrees Celsius, with a departure of 3.9 degrees Celsius, while Shivpuri recorded 40.0 degrees Celsius, marking a 5.7 degrees Celsius increase. Damoh, Guna, and Nowgong also recorded 40.0 degrees Celsius, with temperature deviations ranging from 4.1 degrees Celsius to 4.6 degrees Celsius.
– Uttar Pradesh: In Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj recorded 41.6 degrees Celsius, while Jhansi saw 41.1 degrees Celsius, with a departure of 5.2 degrees Celsius. Kanpur recorded 40.0°C. In Rajasthan, Chittorgarh recorded a temperature of 40.5 degrees Celsius.
– Chhattisgarh Telangana: In Chhattisgarh, Rajnandgaon recorded a temperature of 41.0 degrees Celsius, showing a significant departure of 7.8 degrees Celsius. Telangana's Nizamabad reported 40.1 degrees Celsius, while Andhra Pradesh's Nandyal recorded 40.0 degrees Celsius.
– Heat to rise in Delhi: The weather department defines a heatwave as when the maximum temperature in the plains reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or is five degrees above normal. In the coming days, North India is expected to heat up further, with Delhi and its neighbouring areas likely to see a rise of 1-2 degrees Celsius.
– Heatwave alert in Odisha: A heatwave alert was issued for parts of Odisha for the next three days, the IMD said, adding that the day temperature is expected to rise by 2-4 degrees Celsius during the next three days in the state, while there will be no large change in the weather thereafter. The IMD issued a 'Yellow' alert to 'be aware' for Sambalpur and Boudh district for Friday. A similar alert was issued for Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Bolangir, and Kalahandi districts for Saturday, and Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Bargarh and Sundargarh for Sunday.
