Temperatures soar above 47°C in parts of Maharashtra as north and central India continue to battle extreme summer conditions
Large parts of India are expected to remain under the grip of intense heatwave conditions this week as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued fresh warnings for several northern, central and eastern states.
According to the latest forecast, severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist till at least May 28 across multiple regions, while parts of Delhi-NCR may witness slight weather relief toward the weekend through thunderstorms, gusty winds and light rainfall activity.
The prolonged spell of extreme heat has raised concerns over public health, water availability, electricity demand and heat-related illnesses as temperatures continue to remain significantly above seasonal averages.
Maharashtra’s Brahmapuri Records Highest Temperature
Brahmapuri in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region emerged as the hottest location in the country on Sunday, recording a scorching maximum temperature of 47.2 degrees Celsius.
Several regions across:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Odisha
- Chhattisgarh
- Vidarbha
- Delhi
also witnessed temperatures ranging from appreciably to sharply above normal levels.
Meteorologists say dry weather conditions, clear skies and strong solar heating are contributing to the prolonged heatwave across large parts of India.
Heatwave Conditions to Continue Till May 28
The India Meteorological Department stated that no major change in daytime temperatures is expected over northwest and central India till May 28.
Severe heatwave conditions are likely over:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
till May 27, while Rajasthan is expected to continue experiencing heatwave conditions till May 30.
Eastern Uttar Pradesh may face particularly intense heat on May 25 and 26, with temperatures expected to remain dangerously high.
The IMD has also warned that Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha are likely to continue witnessing severe heatwave conditions throughout much of the week.
Several States Under Heat Stress
Apart from northern India, multiple eastern and central states are also expected to remain under heat stress over the coming days.
According to the forecast, heatwave conditions may continue across:
- Chhattisgarh
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Odisha
- Telangana
The weather department warned that prolonged exposure to such extreme temperatures could increase the risk of dehydration and heatstroke, especially among vulnerable populations.
Warm Nights Increase Health Risks
In addition to extreme daytime temperatures, parts of Uttar Pradesh and Vidarbha are expected to experience “warm night conditions,” where temperatures remain unusually high even after sunset.
Experts say warm nights can be particularly dangerous because the human body does not get adequate time to cool down after exposure to intense daytime heat.
Urban regions are also likely to witness stronger heat retention due to concrete infrastructure and reduced green cover, worsening discomfort levels during nighttime hours.
Delhi-NCR May Witness Thunderstorms and Temperature Dip
While Delhi continues to experience intense heat, weather officials have forecast the possibility of light rain, drizzle and isolated thunderstorms in parts of the national capital later this week.
Maximum temperatures in Delhi are expected to hover between 43°C and 45°C initially, while minimum temperatures may remain between 29°C and 32°C.
However, meteorologists expect a gradual decline in temperatures from May 29 onward due to changing wind patterns and western disturbance activity.
The arrival of thunderstorms and gusty winds could provide temporary respite from the oppressive heat conditions in Delhi-NCR.
Rainfall Activity Likely in Northeast and South India
As northern India battles extreme heat, several parts of northeast and southern India are expected to receive rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
The IMD forecast suggests:
- Assam and Meghalaya may witness rainfall activity
- Heavy rainfall is expected over Arunachal Pradesh till Tuesday
- Kerala has been placed under yellow alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kerala also warned of squally weather conditions in some districts.
Health Authorities Advise Caution
Medical experts have advised people to take extra precautions during the ongoing heatwave, especially children, elderly citizens, outdoor workers and individuals with existing medical conditions.
Common symptoms linked to heat-related illnesses include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe dehydration
Heat stroke, one of the most dangerous heat-related conditions, can occur when body temperature rises above 40°C and requires immediate medical attention.
Public Advised to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
Authorities have issued safety advisories urging citizens to:
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours
- Wear loose and light-coloured clothing
- Use umbrellas, caps or protective coverings
- Seek shade and ventilated environments whenever possible
Experts also advised avoiding strenuous physical activity during high-temperature periods and monitoring vulnerable family members closely.
Climate Extremes Raise Long-Term Concerns
The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in India have once again highlighted growing concerns over climate variability and urban heat stress.
Environmental experts warn that rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and prolonged extreme weather events could continue to impact public health, agriculture, infrastructure and economic productivity in the coming years.
With the summer season entering its peak phase, weather authorities are expected to continue issuing region-wise alerts and advisories as conditions evolve across the country.