A sweeping heatwave has tightened its grip across northern and central India. Temperatures have surged far above seasonal averages, placing millions under severe weather alerts. The India Meteorological Department has warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions will continue across large parts of northwest, central, and eastern India over the next five days.
The soaring temperatures have disrupted daily life across several states. Roads in major cities remain deserted during the afternoon hours. Hospitals are reporting rising cases of dehydration and exhaustion. Outdoor workers continue to endure the harshest conditions with little relief in sight.
In its May 20 bulletin, the IMD warned that severe heatwave conditions would persist across northwest and central India through the week. Eastern India is also likely to witness extreme temperatures over the coming days.
Banda Records 48°C as Uttar Pradesh Faces Severe Conditions
Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district recorded the highest temperature in the state on Wednesday, with the mercury touching a blistering 48 degrees Celsius. According to the Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, the temperature stood 4.5 degrees above normal levels.
The weather department has issued a yellow alert for the next three days. Authorities will then upgrade the warning to an orange alert as temperatures continue to remain dangerously high. Several districts are also likely to witness unusually warm nights, which sharply increase the risk of heat stress and heatstroke.
Officials have advised children, elderly citizens and labourers to avoid exposure during peak afternoon hours.
Delhi Braces for Relentless Heatwave
The national capital is staring at one of its harshest heatwaves this season. IMD forecasts suggest Delhi’s maximum temperature may touch 46 degrees Celsius on May 21 and 22. Temperatures are likely to remain between 44 and 45 degrees Celsius till May 26.
Across Delhi-NCR, scorching winds and rising surface temperatures have made outdoor conditions extremely difficult. Construction workers, street vendors, delivery personnel and daily wage earners remain among the worst affected.
The IMD has extended orange alert conditions across the capital region. The warning signals a serious public health risk as prolonged exposure to extreme heat continues.
Punjab and Haryana Continue to Reel Under Extreme Heat
Punjab and Haryana also remained firmly under the grip of the heatwave on Wednesday. Rohtak and Bathinda crossed the 46-degree Celsius mark, while Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius.
The relentless heat has sharply increased electricity demand across both states. Residents continue to struggle with punishing daytime temperatures and uncomfortable nights. Urban areas are witnessing intensified heat retention because of concrete-heavy infrastructure and shrinking green cover.
In contrast, parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh witnessed isolated showers and thunderstorms, offering limited relief in hill regions.
IMD Issues Multi-State Warning and Health Advisory
The IMD has forecast severe heatwave conditions over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi between May 24 and May 26. West Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh are expected to remain under prolonged heatwave conditions during the same period.
Heatwave conditions are also likely over Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana and Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam till May 24. Odisha may additionally witness warm night conditions, while Uttar Pradesh is expected to experience warm nights on May 21 and 22.
Meanwhile, hot and humid weather is likely to persist across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha.
The weather department has urged residents in red alert regions to exercise extreme caution. According to the IMD, people across all age groups face a very high risk of heat illness and heatstroke.
Authorities have advised people in orange alert areas to drink sufficient water and consume ORS, lassi, buttermilk and lemon water to remain hydrated. In yellow alert regions, vulnerable groups have been advised to avoid direct sunlight, wear loose cotton clothing and cover their heads while outdoors.
With temperatures continuing to rise and no immediate weather disturbance likely to bring relief, the heatwave is rapidly turning into a serious public health and climate resilience challenge across India’s northern plains.