- By Nidhi Giri
- Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:22 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
IMD Heatwave Alert: After a brief respite from the rain, the mercury is now rising again. On Sunday, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung, Delhi's base station, reached 40.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal. For the first time this season, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heat wave conditions in some isolated areas from Wednesday to Friday, with the mercury likely to reach 43 degrees Celsius.
On Friday, Delhi recorded its highest temperature of the season at 41 degrees Celsius, but the weather changed as evening approached, with heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds sweeping through the city. The mercury dropped below 40 degrees Celsius on Saturday, but the respite was short-lived.
Temperature To Rise In THESE States
On Sunday, the Ridge Observatory in north Delhi was the hottest place with a temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Mungeshpur in northwest Delhi degrees Celsius. Meteorological department officials said temperatures are likely to rise in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and northern Rajasthan over the next few days due to persistent hot northwesterly winds and prolonged sunshine.
What To Expect In Coming Days?
The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 41 to 42 degrees Celsius on Monday and Tuesday, but it may hover between 41 to 43 degrees Celsius from Wednesday to Friday.
Meteorologist Krishna Mishra said, "A western disturbance, which brought rain to the Himalayan region, moved on Sunday. Another western disturbance may affect the Himalayas from April 23, but since it will be weak, Delhi is unlikely to get any relief from the heat during the next seven days."
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Heat Wave Likely To Persist
He further said that heat wave conditions may be observed at one of the stations in Delhi on Monday and heat wave conditions are likely to prevail in some isolated areas from April 22.
When Does IMD Declare A Heat Wave?
IMD considers a day a "heatwave" if the maximum temperature is at least 40 degrees Celsius and 4.5 degrees Celsius or more above normal. A heatwave is also declared if the maximum temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius.