A relentless heatwave has gripped large swathes of Northern, Central, and Eastern India, with temperatures in Prayagraj soaring to a record 45.5°C on April 25, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued “Orange” and “Yellow” alerts for 12 states—including Delhi, Rajasthan, and West Bengal—as a lack of western disturbances turns the plains into a furnace. The phenomenon is compounded by “warm nights” where temperatures remain significantly above normal, preventing biological recovery and surging power demand. While the capital and surrounding states are expected to experience a slight reprieve with light rain starting Monday, April 27, forecasters warn that heatwave conditions will persist in isolated pockets for the next 48 to 72 hours.
