Unrelenting heat wave to bake India, Pakistan into mid-April

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

After hitting the highest levels of the year so far, temperatures are expected to soar even higher in the coming days as a dangerous heat wave holds firm across northern India and Pakistan.

Last Saturday marked the hottest day so far this year in India's National Capital Region (NCR) as temperatures soared to 103 F (39 C) in New Delhi. This peak could be exceeded as early as Friday with extreme heat continuing into the weekend.

Heat is expected to build over much of the region, specifically inland locations from Islamabad, Pakistan, to the NCR, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Nagpur and Hyderabad. High temperatures 6 to 8 C (10 to 15 F) above average can be expected.

The hottest locations in northwest India could have temperatures that exceed 43 C (110 F) each of the next several days.

Those in coastal locations can expect a less dramatic heat wave to ensue, with temperature departures more on the order of 4 to 5 C (8 to 10 F) from Surat to Mumbai and Goa.

"While actual temperatures may not be as extreme in Mumbai and other coastal areas with highs in the lower 30s C (lower 90s F) this week, high humidity will create dangerously high AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures in excess of 38 C (100 F) into Friday," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski warned.

After hitting 104 F (40 C) on the first of the month, temperatures in Karachi are expected to remain unseasonably high in the coming days with daily high temperatures of 35-38 C (95-100 F).

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It will be important for residents to take extra care in the heat, since many are not yet acclimated to these late springlike conditions. Drinking plenty of water, spending time in the shade and wearing light clothing will be necessary. When possible, strenuous outdoor activity should be avoided during the hottest part of the day.

Stagnant conditions contributing to the high heat will also result in dangerously poor air quality conditions. Face masks should be worn by anyone spending time outdoors. Children, the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiovascular health conditions should avoid spending time outside as much as possible.

In this Thursday, May 31, 2018, file photo, a monkey drinks water from a tanker on a hot summer day in Jammu, India. Intense heat wave conditions continue to prevail in Jammu with maximum temperature recorded above 40 degrees Celsius. (AP Photo/Channi Anand, File)

While a brief day or two of temperatures below 38 C (100 F) will be possible, no lasting relief is expected until at least the middle of April.

"In fact, there may not be appreciable relief from the heat until the monsoon starts in June," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls. "Latest indications point toward departures from normal not being as high in late April, but typical heat may still bake the region."

India endures lengthy heat waves each year prior to the arrival of monsoon rainfall, Pydynowski said.

More than 6,000 heat-related deaths have been reported in India since 2010, according to the Times of India.

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