Will heatwave persist? What Delhi, Madhya Pradesh residents need to know about weather predictions for the week

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that severe heat and heatwave conditions are likely across many regions of the country between April and June 2026.

According to the weather office, night temperatures are also expected to remain above normal, with "warm night" conditions likely at isolated places over northwestern parts of the country during the next two to three days.

Heatwave alerts for this week (April 20-24)

• April 20: West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh
• April 20–23: East Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and East Madhya Pradesh
• April 20–21: Jharkhand
• April 20–22: West Uttar Pradesh
• April 20–23: West Rajasthan
• April 21–23: Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Odisha

The IMD has advised people to avoid going out between 12 pm and 4 pm and to always stay hydrated. Carrying an umbrella and a water bottle, alongside efforts to cover one's head to avoid direct sunlight, has also been advised.

IMD Yellow Alert for many districts

While hot winds during the day are troubling people in the national capital, the IMD has warned that temperatures in Delhi may rise further in the coming days. A yellow alert for heatwave conditions has been issued from April 22 to 24 (Wednesday to Friday), with maximum temperatures expected to reach up to 42°C. On Monday, the maximum temperature in the national capital may hover around 41°C, Hindi media reports said.

Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh, several cities have seen temperatures exceeding 42°C. The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for 16 districts on April 20. The extremities are likely to persist in the state's eastern parts until Thursday, April 23. In view of the extreme heat, school timings have been changed in the state, news reports said.

On Sunday, Uttar Pradesh was also asked to brace for heatwave conditions as the week progressed.

(Data via PTI, AajTak)