India Sizzles Under Severe Heatwave as IMD Issues Nationwide Alert

India is in the grip of a punishing heatwave this Friday, with scorching temperatures recorded across most of the country and only the far north and northeast offering any meaningful relief. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings across multiple states as the nation endures one of its most brutal pre-monsoon spells in recent years.

New Delhi leads the misery index, with Friday's high forecast at a dangerous 42.7°C , virtually no rain in sight and no respite expected through the weekend. Parallel suffering continues in Jaipur, Rajasthan , where the mercury will touch 41.2°C under a completely clear, rainless sky, with temperatures projected to climb even further into next week.

In South India, Amaravati recorded the region's highest reading at 39.8°C , while Hyderabad simmered at 38.4°C . Both cities face the dual discomfort of intense heat and rising humidity. Chennai offered no relief either, hitting 37.3°C with not a drop of rain forecast for the day.

On the eastern front, Kolkata sweltered at 36.9°C , with the city's notorious humidity pushing the feels-like temperature significantly higher. Residents braced for potential Nor'wester thunderstorms through the evening.

Mumbai recorded a somewhat moderated 33.2°C , buffered by its coastal location, though thick humidity kept conditions deeply uncomfortable. A slight chance of pre-monsoon showers offered the city's residents a sliver of hope.

The nation's two bright spots stood out sharply. Bengaluru enjoyed a comparatively cooler 31.7°C accompanied by active thunderstorms, while Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir remained a picture of calm at just 21.2°C , the only major city in India where residents needed a light jacket.

The southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala by early June , which meteorologists say will begin the gradual end of this heatwave. Until then, the IMD urges all citizens to stay hydrated, avoid midday sun , and watch for official advisories.