NEW DELHI, April 25 -- An early and harsher-than-usual start to summer has prompted the Centre to ask states to step up heatwave preparedness, with temperatures already running 4-8 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages in several regions, according to two government officials and documents reviewed by Mint.

The directive comes as parts of northwestern, central and eastern India report daytime highs crossing 44degC, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses and potential disruption to economic activity if extreme conditions persist.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heatwave conditions are very likely in the next 24 hours in states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and...