JAISALMER / NEW DELHI – A brutal early-season heatwave has gripped North and Central India, with the mercury soaring to record-breaking levels across the desert state of Rajasthan. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, Jaisalmer recorded a maximum temperature of 46°C, making it one of the hottest spots in the country as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of “Heatwave to Severe Heatwave” conditions persisting for the next 48 to 72 hours.
Rajasthan in the Eye of the Storm
The visuals from Jaisalmer and Barmer depict a landscape under siege by the “Loo”—the hot, dry westerly winds characteristic of the Indian summer. Streets in Jaisalmer, usually bustling with tourists, remained largely deserted during the afternoon hours as residents sought refuge indoors.
According to the latest IMD bulletin, temperatures across Rajasthan have consistently stayed 3°C to 5°C above the seasonal normal. While Barmer also touched the 46°C mark, other cities were not far behind:
- Bikaner & Churu: 43.6°C
- Kota & Chittorgarh: 45.2°C
- Udaipur: 44°C
North India Reeling Under Rising Mercury
The heat is not restricted to the desert. A massive high-pressure system has settled over the northern plains, trapping heat across several states. The IMD has issued specific heatwave warnings for the following regions through April 27 and 28, 2026:
- Punjab & Haryana: Cities like Bathinda (43.7°C) and Narnaul (44.2°C) are reporting “markedly above normal” temperatures.
- Delhi-NCR: The national capital is bracing for peaks between 43°C and 45°C. The IMD has noted that “warm night” conditions—where minimum temperatures stay significantly above average—are preventing the body from recovering from daytime heat stress.
- Uttar Pradesh & Bihar: Isolated pockets in West UP and Bihar are under a “Yellow Alert,” with Banda reporting a staggering 47.4°C in the last 24 hours.
Impact on Health and Infrastructure
The intensity of this heatwave has prompted state governments to issue urgent health advisories. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently announced a series of emergency measures, including:
- Cooling Stations: Installation of misting systems and “cool roofing” at major bus stands and public squares.
- Work Restrictions: Mandatory breaks for construction workers and outdoor laborers between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
- Power Demand: India’s peak power demand has surged to a record high as the use of air conditioners and cooling devices skyrockets. Authorities have directed power distribution companies to prioritize hospitals and water treatment plants to prevent outages.
When Will the Relief Come?
Meteorologists are tracking a Western Disturbance currently moving through the middle tropospheric westerlies. While it is currently weak, the IMD predicts it will gain strength by the evening of April 28.
Staying Safe During the Heatwave
Health experts urge citizens to take the following precautions:
- Hydration: Drink frequent intervals of water, even if not thirsty. Use ORS or homemade drinks like lassi and lemon water.
- Protective Gear: Wear lightweight, light-colored cotton clothes and use umbrellas or hats when outdoors.
- Animal Care: Ensure pets and stray animals have access to shade and clean drinking water.
As the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer bakes under 46-degree heat, the focus remains on local administrations to manage the escalating water and power demands during what is shaping up to be one of the hottest Aprils in recent memory.
