New Delhi: India is grappling with an intense heatwave, with temperatures crossing 45°C in several regions and widespread alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department.
However, the growing concern this year extends beyond scorching daytime temperatures. Nights are turning unusually warm, limiting the body’s ability to cool down and recover after sunset—a trend that experts warn could increase health risks.
The IMD has predicted “warm night” conditions across parts of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with minimum temperatures likely to remain between 26°C and 29°C over the coming days.
Delhi Nights Turning Hotter Earlier Than Usual
In Delhi, nighttime temperatures throughout April have consistently remained above both recent averages and long-term normal levels, indicating an early shift in seasonal patterns.
Data released by the IMD shows that minimum temperatures this month have exceeded the 2020–2025 average as well as the long-term baseline (1991–2020) on most days.
From mid-April onwards, the capital began recording unusually warm nights, with temperatures frequently crossing 22°C. The highest minimum temperature recorded reached nearly 28.5°C on April 29, levels that are typically seen closer to late May, not in April.
The warming trend became especially noticeable after April 15, with readings staying above normal between April 18 and April 29 on nearly every night.
Warm Nights Recorded Across Multiple Regions
The unusual pattern is not limited to Delhi. Across India, at least 17 weather stations recorded minimum temperatures more than 5°C above normal, indicating widespread warming during nighttime hours.
Some of the highest departures from normal temperatures were recorded in:
- Umaria: 7.7°C above normal
- Phalodi: 7.6°C above normal
- Muzaffarnagar: 6.1°C above normal
Other stations reporting significant deviations included:
- Amritsar
- Hisar
- Rohtak — each recording around 6°C above normal
Additionally, stations such as Chitrakoot, Satna and Sundergarh reported temperature departures of about 5.9°C above normal.
These figures highlight a widespread rise in nighttime temperatures across north, central, and eastern India.
Why Warm Nights Are a Serious Health Concern
According to the IMD, persistently high minimum temperatures can significantly increase heat stress—even if daytime temperatures temporarily dip.
“Warm nights are worrying because heat keeps building up,” an official noted.
When temperatures remain high overnight, the human body gets limited time to cool down, which increases the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. This is particularly dangerous for:
- Elderly individuals
- Outdoor workers
- Children
- People living in poorly ventilated homes
- Those without access to cooling systems
Above-Normal Night Temperatures Likely Throughout Summer 2026
The IMD’s summer outlook for 2026 indicates that above-normal minimum temperatures are likely across most parts of the country.
This suggests that even when cloud cover or thunderstorms bring temporary relief from daytime heat, nighttime temperatures may continue to remain elevated.
Experts warn that this combination of extreme daytime heat and warm nights could make the ongoing heatwave more dangerous and prolonged than usual.