Red Alert for Heatwave in Northwest India

New Delhi : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for severe heatwave conditions in parts of Rajasthan, Saurashtra, and Kutch for today, warning residents to take necessary precautions against extreme temperatures. The alert indicates a very high likelihood of heat-related illnesses among vulnerable groups and calls for proactive measures by authorities.

According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are also likely to prevail in Haryana, Chandigarh, West Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha, and East Madhya Pradesh over the next two to three days. The weather agency has forecast a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius across many areas of Northwest and Central India, as well as parts of Maharashtra, during the same period. This intensification of the heatwave could further aggravate the situation, especially in regions already experiencing soaring temperatures.

The red alert for Rajasthan, Saurashtra, and Kutch signals the highest level of caution under the IMD’s alert system and suggests that even healthy individuals could be at risk of heatstroke or exhaustion with prolonged exposure to the sun. People are advised to stay hydrated, avoid going out during peak afternoon hours, wear light clothing, and keep living spaces cool. Local administrations in these regions have been urged to activate heat action plans, ensure water supply in vulnerable areas, and set up temporary shelters where necessary.

While much of northern and central India is battling rising heat, the southern and northeastern states are expected to witness heavy rainfall today. The IMD has predicted significant precipitation in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala bringing some respite from the heat in these areas. The rainfall is associated with active monsoon currents and the presence of a trough over southern peninsular India.

The contrasting weather conditions across India—scorching heat in some areas and heavy showers in others—highlight the seasonal transition phase and the variability typical of early summer.