Temperatures Near 48°C Raise Concerns as Heatwave Tightens Grip Over Multiple States
India is witnessing one of the harshest spells of summer heat this season, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heatwave to severe heatwave conditions across large parts of north, northwest and central India over the coming days.
The weather office has issued an orange alert for Delhi-NCR while warning that temperatures are likely to remain dangerously high until at least May 25. Several states are already recording temperatures well above normal, increasing concerns over public health, power demand and water availability.
Banda Records Highest Temperature at 48.2°C
Uttar Pradesh’s Banda emerged as the hottest location in the country on Tuesday after recording a scorching maximum temperature of 48.2 degrees Celsius.
Several other regions across northwest India also witnessed extreme daytime temperatures. According to the IMD, maximum temperatures remained markedly above normal in:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Delhi
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Himachal Pradesh
Above-normal temperatures were also recorded in parts of:
- Rajasthan
- Madhya Pradesh
- Bihar
- Odisha
- Andhra Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
The prolonged heat has increased discomfort levels significantly, particularly in urban centres where warm nights are preventing temperatures from cooling adequately.
Heatwave Conditions Likely Till May 25
The IMD has warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across northwest and central India for the next several days.
States expected to remain under severe heat stress include:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Vidarbha region
- Rajasthan
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Delhi
- Chandigarh
Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are also expected to witness severe heatwave conditions on May 21 and 22, while Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Marathwada could continue facing intense heat stress through the week.
Weather officials have additionally warned about “warm night” conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha, where nighttime temperatures remain unusually high, increasing health risks for vulnerable populations.
Delhi-NCR Under Orange Alert
Delhi and surrounding NCR regions are likely to experience another difficult week of extreme summer temperatures, with the IMD issuing an orange alert for heatwave conditions over the next seven days.
The capital recorded maximum temperatures between 45°C and 47°C during the past 24 hours.
Key temperature readings included:
- Safdarjung: 45.1°C
- Ridge area: 46.5°C
The weather office has warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue for at least the next two days before any marginal relief is expected.
Authorities have advised residents to:
- Avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours
- Stay hydrated
- Reduce strenuous physical activity
- Take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration
Rainfall and Thunderstorms Expected in Eastern and Southern States
While northern India battles intense heat, several eastern, northeastern and southern states are expected to receive rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
The IMD has forecast rainfall activity across:
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Mizoram
- Tripura
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya later this week.
In southern India, states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Lakshadweep are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms until May 25.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema may also experience thundersquall activity with wind speeds reaching up to 70 kmph between May 20 and 23.
Thunderstorm activity is also expected over:
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Odisha
- West Bengal
Southwest Monsoon Progressing Towards Kerala
Amid the ongoing heatwave, the IMD said conditions remain favourable for the further advancement of the southwest monsoon into parts of:
- Southeast Arabian Sea
- Bay of Bengal
- Comorin area
- Remaining Andaman Sea regions
The weather office has projected that the southwest monsoon is likely to make its onset over Kerala around May 26, with a model error margin of plus or minus four days.
The monsoon’s progress will be closely monitored as India looks for relief from one of the most intense heat spells of the year.