Scorching April: Mercury Hits 40°C as Heatwave Arrives Early in Northern India

KKN Gurugram Desk | April has barely begun, but the sun is already blazing like it’s mid-June. Several parts of northern India are experiencing unseasonal heat, with temperatures crossing 40°C, setting off an early alarm for what could be a punishing summer ahead.

In many cities, including those in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi-NCR, the mercury has spiked rapidly over the last few days. Monday’s weather conditions were especially harsh, as clear skies and dry winds added to the discomfort, making it feel like the peak of summer.

Early Heatwave: A Sign of Changing Climate

This kind of intense heat in early April is unusual, even in traditionally hot regions. According to meteorologists, this is not just a one-off but part of a broader trend of shifting climate patterns. Temperatures that used to hit 40°C in late May are now appearing weeks earlier.

“The current heatwave is a result of high-pressure systems and lack of pre-monsoon showers,” said a senior IMD scientist.
“It reflects a changing climate pattern influenced by both global warming and El Niño conditions.”

City Temperatures Break Records

Here’s a snapshot of Monday’s temperatures across key cities:

• Delhi: 39.8°C

• Patna: 40.1°C

• Lucknow: 39.5°C

• Muzaffarpur: 40.0°C

• Varanasi: 41.3°C

These temperatures are 4 to 6 degrees above normal, raising concerns for vulnerable populations—especially the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.

Public Response: Schools, Offices Struggle to Cope

In cities like Muzaffarpur, schools reported a dip in attendance as parents preferred to keep children indoors. Office-goers, particularly those without private vehicles, were seen covering themselves with scarves, sunglasses, and umbrellas.

Street vendors and delivery workers are among the worst hit. Ravi Kumar, a delivery executive in Patna, shared:

“By noon, the heat becomes unbearable. I carry a bottle of water and a wet cloth, but it barely helps.”

Medical Advisory: Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated

Doctors are urging people to be cautious and follow heat safety tips:

• Drink 3–4 litres of water daily.

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• Avoid going out between 11 AM and 4 PM.

• Wear light-colored, cotton clothes.

• Include fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and lemon juice in your diet.

Cases of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and headaches have already started rising in clinics.

Power and Water Demand Surge

The increasing heat has led to a spike in:

• Electricity consumption due to rising AC/fan use.

• Water demand in residential areas, prompting local municipal bodies to issue water-saving advisories.

In some parts of Bihar, water tankers have already been deployed to tackle early summer shortages.

Environmentalist View: “This Is Just the Beginning”

Experts are warning that April is just the beginning of what could be one of the hottest summers on record. With no major rain forecast for the coming weeks, May is likely to bring even more intense heatwaves.

Climate change researchers are calling for:

• Better heat action plans at the local level

• Urban tree planting initiatives

• Re-evaluation of school and office timings during extreme weather

This premature summer is a wake-up call—for individuals, communities, and the government. If early April is this hot, the coming months could prove extremely challenging.

As India heads into summer 2025, one thing is certain: beating the heat will require both awareness and adaptation.