Early Heatwave Grips India, Raising Health and Crop Concerns

Numerous Indian cities are experiencing exceptionally high temperatures, exceeding 40 degrees Celsius this week. This is occurring well before the typical peak summer season, leading to the issuance of heatwave alerts in several states earlier than usual.

On Tuesday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that 27 weather stations in western India recorded temperatures above 43 degrees Celsius. At least 19 locations experienced severe heatwaves. Delhi reached 41 degrees Celsius, while Barmer in Rajasthan recorded the highest temperature in the country at 46.4 degrees Celsius. This was the highest temperature recorded in Barmer during the first week of April, nearly 7 degrees Celsius above the average. A severe heatwave is defined as temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in at least two weather stations within a specific area.

The IMD had previously warned that heatwave conditions would persist throughout the week in parts of northern, eastern, central, and western India, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha. A yellow alert has been issued in several areas of western India, indicating that while the heat is tolerable for the general public, it could pose moderate health risks to vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Authorities are advising people to take precautions, including avoiding prolonged exposure to the heat, wearing light-colored, breathable clothing, and covering their heads when outdoors.

India's heatwave season typically begins in April, but temperatures this year are significantly higher than usual for this time of year. In recent years, heatwaves have begun as early as February. The early onset of the heatwave is attributed to slower wind speeds and clearer skies, which allow for increased solar radiation to heat the surface.

Meteorologists predict that wind speeds will continue to decrease with clear skies, leading to further temperature increases. Last month, the IMD chief stated that most of India would experience an intense heatwave this summer, with above-normal temperatures expected across most of the country. States like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha could experience a high number of heatwave days.

The early heatwave also poses a threat to the country's wheat crop, marking the third consecutive year of concern. Last year, when India recorded its hottest day ever at 50.5 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan, there were over 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke. While one weather station in Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius last May, the government later revised this figure due to a sensor error. Government data indicates that nearly 150 people died due to the heatwave in 2024, although independent researchers suggest the actual number may be higher.