Rajasthan Boils at 46.4°C, Delhi on Yellow Alert: IMD Warns of Worsening Heatwave

Synopsis: Rajasthan's Barmer hits a searing 46.4°C as a heatwave scorches parts of central and western India. Delhi braces for intense heat under a yellow alert, with temperatures soaring above normal.

India is in the grip of an intense heatwave, with Rajasthan’s Barmer recording the highest temperature on Tuesday at a staggering 46.4°C — a 7.6°C spike above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Across central and western India, temperatures soared past 43°C in at least 27 weather stations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, with 19 locations facing heatwave to severe heatwave conditions.

Delhi Under Yellow Alert

Delhi has been placed under a “yellow alert”, with the IMD forecasting maximum temperatures around 40–41°C. The capital also experienced its warmest night of the season, clocking a minimum of 25.6°C — nearly 5–7°C above normal.

Key Delhi locations like the Safdarjung Observatory (41°C) and Ayanagar (40.4°C) witnessed heatwave-like conditions, while light south-easterly winds at 8 kmph offered little relief.

What Defines a Heatwave?

According to the IMD, a heatwave in the plains is declared when:

• Temperatures are ≥ 40°C

• And 4.5–6.4°C above normal

A severe heatwave is declared if:

• The temperature is ≥ 45°C, or

• The deviation from normal is ≥ 6.5°C

Heatwave Across States

Rajasthan: Jaisalmer (45°C), Chittorgarh (44.5°C), Bikaner (44.4°C), Sri Ganganagar (44.2°C)

Gujarat: Surendranagar (44.8°C), Rajkot (44°C), Amreli (43.8°C), Mahuva & Kandla (43.4°C)

Maharashtra: Akola (44.1°C), Nandurbar (43.5°C), Jalgaon (43.3°C), Amravati (43°C)

Madhya Pradesh: Guna (43.4°C), Ratlam (43.2°C)

Many of these cities have seen temperatures 6–9°C higher than their seasonal averages, raising concerns about public health and water scarcity.

The IMD expects mainly clear skies in the coming days, but no significant dip in temperatures has been predicted for Delhi or northwestern India. Citizens are advised to stay indoors during peak hours, stay hydrated, and take heat precautions seriously.