Northwest India is expected to experience a gradual respite from the prevailing heatwave conditions starting June 14, 2025, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). For days, states including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh have been reeling under severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring to record highs.
Prior to the anticipated relief, the IMD has indicated that there will be no major change in maximum temperatures across Northwest and Central India for the next three days. Following this period, a gradual fall of 2-4°C is expected. East India is also likely to experience no significant change in maximum temperatures in the next 24 hours, followed by a gradual decrease of 2-3°C over the subsequent three days.
The intense heatwave has prompted authorities to issue red alerts in several regions, advising residents to take immediate action to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses. These precautions include avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, staying hydrated, and limiting outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly urged to take extreme care.
In Delhi, the IMD issued a red alert as maximum temperatures soared to 45.5 degrees Celsius in some areas. The city is expected to remain under a red alert through June 12, with a possibility of light rain and thunderstorms providing some relief on the night of June 13 due to an approaching western disturbance. This may lead to a shift to an orange alert. The weather forecast includes partly cloudy skies for June 12 and 13, accompanied by dust-raising winds gusting up to 60 kmph during thunderstorms.
Rajasthan has also been severely affected, with Ganganagar recording temperatures exceeding 47°C. The IMD has issued a red alert for western Rajasthan for June 11 and 12, followed by an orange alert for June 13. Some temporary relief may come in the form of thunderstorm activity between June 15 and 16, with a potential temperature drop in eastern Rajasthan around June 18-20.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has urged citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, with hospitals on high alert and beds reserved for heat-related emergencies. Similar measures are being implemented in other states to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
The expected respite from June 14 onwards is attributed to an approaching western disturbance, which is likely to bring light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds to the region. While the relief is welcome, authorities continue to advise caution and adherence to safety guidelines until the heatwave conditions fully abate.