IMD issues heatwave guidance; Sri Ganganagar records country's highest 44.5°C
The India Meteorological Department issued detailed heatwave guidance on 25 April 2026 as maximum temperatures reached 40–44°C across northwest, central and peninsular India, with the highest of 44.5°C at Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan.
Summary
Detailed heatwave guidance and advisories were issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, on 25 April 2026. Maximum temperatures in many parts of northwest, central and peninsular India ranged between 40°C and 44°C, with the highest of 44.5°C at Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, and several regions were 5°C or more above normal. IMD said heatwave conditions were very likely in isolated pockets of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and central India, and advised citizens to avoid peak afternoon sun, stay hydrated and take special care of children, the elderly and people with existing illnesses.
Key facts
- Issued by
- IMD, Ministry of Earth Sciences; 25 April 2026
- Temperatures
- 40–44°C in parts of northwest, central and peninsular India
- Highest
- 44.5°C at Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan
- Departure
- 5°C or more above normal in several regions
- Heatwave likely
- J&K, HP, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, UP, Rajasthan, central India
Practice MCQs 2 questions
According to IMD's heatwave guidance of 25 April 2026, the highest maximum temperature of 44.5°C was recorded at:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan
IMD said the highest temperature of 44.5°C was recorded at Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan.
The India Meteorological Department, which issued heatwave guidance in April 2026, functions under:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ministry of Earth Sciences
The PIB release describes IMD as functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.