Why is there a heatwave in Northern and Western India?
An unusually early heatwave is affecting several regions of India, particularly in northern and western parts of the country. The most impacted areas include Delhi, Himachal Pradesh in the western Himalayan region, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, and surrounding northwestern plains.
The main reason for the sudden rise in temperatures is the lack of strong western disturbance systems that normally bring cooler air, clouds, and rainfall to northern India during late winter and early spring. Without these cooling weather systems, skies have remained clearer and drier, allowing more solar radiation to reach the ground and increase daytime temperatures. (1)
Temperatures across many parts of northern India have risen significantly above the seasonal average. In several regions, daytime temperatures are currently 4°C to 8°C higher than normal.
In the Western Himalayan areas, including Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, temperatures are about 5°C to 8°C above normal.
Across the northwest plains of India, temperatures are around 3°C to 5°C higher than usual for this time of year.
This early spike in heat has caused summer-like conditions to appear weeks earlier than expected across parts of northern and central India. (2)
How long will the heatwave last?
Heatwave conditions developed in early March 2026 as temperatures began rising quickly across northern and central India. Many areas recorded temperatures well above the seasonal average, bringing unusually warm, summer-like conditions earlier than expected. (3)
The most intense heat is expected to continue until around March 10 in several regions, including Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. During this period, Delhi’s maximum temperature is forecast to reach about 34°C to 36°C, with some inland areas experiencing even higher temperatures. (2)
Relief may begin around March 10 or 11 as a western disturbance moves across the Western Himalayan region. This weather system could bring cloud cover, light rainfall, and cooler air, helping reduce temperatures in affected areas.
Forecasts suggest temperatures may drop by:
- 2°C to 3°C across parts of northwest India.
- Up to 5°C to 7°C in some affected regions.
If these changes occur, the current heatwave episode will likely last about four to six days before temperatures gradually begin to ease in mid-March. (4)
Are there any alerts in place?
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued several heatwave alerts across multiple states due to the unusually high temperatures recorded in early March. These warnings aim to help residents take precautions and reduce health risks associated with extreme heat exposure. (5)
Heatwave and severe heatwave warnings are currently active in several regions including:
- Himachal Pradesh where severe heatwave conditions have been forecast.
- Rajasthan, including western districts.
- Gujarat including Saurashtra and Kutch.
- Vidarbha region in Maharashtra.
- Parts of Konkan and nearby coastal regions experiencing hot and humid conditions.
Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to take preventive measures such as avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wearing light clothing, staying hydrated, and monitoring official weather updates.
At this time, there are no evacuation orders or emergency evacuation centers related specifically to the heatwave. However, local authorities continue to monitor weather developments and may issue additional advisories if temperatures remain dangerously high.
