Temperatures in North India have crossed 40°C.

T he India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that there is a possibility of heatwave conditions along with hot winds (loo) in North India. Temperatures are rising in states such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand.

According to the IMD report, a heatwave (loo) may occur in Delhi this week, and in several areas the temperature has already reached up to 40°C, making it the hottest day of the year so far.

It is currently April, and temperatures in some areas have already reached up to 40°C. In the coming days, the heat may increase further. According to IMD reports, in India, the months of May, June, and July are usually very hot, and North India experiences especially intense heat during this period.

Such extreme heat can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It can also lead to several health problems, and in severe cases, it may result in fatalities.
Data from the last 10 years shows that deaths have occurred due to heat-related illnesses caused by extreme heatwaves.

Over the last ten years, official data shows that 547 deaths were reported in 2014, followed by a sharp rise to 2,081 deaths in 2015, which was the deadliest year. The number then dropped to 510 in 2016 and 375 in 2017. In 2018, deaths fell significantly to 33 but increased again to 505 in 2019. During the pandemic period, reported deaths declined to 25 in 2020 and zero in 2021, before slightly rising to 30 in 2022. In 2023, the number increased again to 181 deaths due to heatwaves in India.

According to the India Meteorological Department report, temperatures in North India are expected to rise by 2–3°C in the coming days.

Delhi Directorate of Education has issued guidelines in view of the rising temperatures.

When extreme heat rises, work in sectors like agriculture and construction is severely affected, leading to economic losses. According to the report, in 2024, heatwaves caused a loss of 247 billion potential working hours, resulting in an estimated economic loss of $194 billion for India.