- By Priyanka Koul
- Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:17 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Heatwave Alert: Residents of Delhi woke up to cloudy skies on Friday, with the minimum temperature settling at 24 degrees C, the highest recorded so far this season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms and rain later in the day.
After unseasonal rainfall in March and early April, India is now bracing for a harsh summer. Heatwave conditions have already intensified across several regions, with the IMD issuing alerts for parts of Maharashtra. Akola in Vidarbha has emerged as one of the hottest places globally, recording temperatures close to 44 degrees C.
Other cities including Nagpur, Amravati, and Wardha have also featured among the hottest locations. Temperatures in many parts of the country have already touched 40-44 degrees C, and the IMD has warned that the heatwave will intensify further in the coming days.
Temperatures are expected to reach 50 degrees C.
According to the IMD, 2026 is likely to be warmer than normal, with heatwave conditions expected to increase between March and May. Temperatures may rise 4-8 degrees C above normal levels, and some regions could see peak temperatures touching 50 degrees C.
Indian Cities Among World’s Hottest
Globally, Jinghong recorded the highest temperature at 37 degrees C, followed by Balangir at 36 degrees C.
Several Indian cities, including Chandrapur, Raipur, Bhilai, Bilaspur, Durg, and Sasaram recorded temperatures around 36degrees C.
Other locations such as Varanasi and Mirzapur, along with several regions across Telangana and Chhattisgarh, recorded temperatures close to 35degrees C.
The IMD has cautioned that rising temperatures and prolonged heatwave conditions could lead to extreme weather across multiple regions in the coming weeks.