India heatwave 2026: 19 of world’s 20 hottest cities in India, temperatures cross 44°C
India weather: India is witnessing an intense spell of heat, with a large number of the world’s hottest locations currently concentrated within the country. Data released by AQI.in on April 21 shows that 19 out of the 20 hottest places globally were in India at that time.
The India Meteorological Department has warned that heatwave conditions are expected to continue from April 22 to April 24. Temperatures in several regions may rise further and could reach up to 43°C.
Among the hottest cities, Bhagalpur in Bihar, Talcher in Odisha and Asansol in West Bengal reported the highest temperature of 44°C.
Several other cities recorded temperatures around 43°C. These include Begusarai, Motihari, Munger, Bhojpur, and Siwan, along with parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Lumbini in Nepal was the only location outside India to feature in the top 20 hottest places, according to a report.
Weather experts say this sharp rise in temperature is due to multiple factors working together:
Strong solar radiation during April, which is already a pre-monsoon heat period; clear skies allowing direct sunlight to heat the surface; reduced snow cover in Eurasia and the Himalayas, which normally reflects heat; changes in ocean patterns, including warming in the Pacific and neutral ENSO conditions and dry northwesterly winds, which prevent cloud formation and rainfall.
At the same time, parts of southern and northeastern India are seeing thunderstorms and moisture, showing a clear contrast in weather across the country.
Experts believe this clustering of extreme temperatures indicates increasing climate variability. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves appear to be rising, raising concerns about prolonged heat stress in the coming weeks.
Uttar Pradesh is also experiencing severe heat. Banda recorded the highest temperature at 44.2°C.
Other cities also saw high temperatures: Sultanpur: 43.4°C, Prayagraj: 43.2°C, Jhansi and Hardoi: 42.5°C each and Lucknow recorded 40.2°C, which is slightly above normal. The forecast suggests dry weather will continue, making conditions more uncomfortable due to dehydration risks.
Delhi has not yet officially entered a heatwave phase, but the temperature reached 38.8°C, above normal levels.
Due to rising heat, authorities have issued guidelines for schools: A “water bell” every 45–60 minutes to remind students to drink water; a buddy system where students monitor each other’s health; outdoor assemblies to be limited or shifted indoors andNo open-air classes during peak heat hours
Haryana, Punjab & Chandigarh
In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded 42.5°C,Gurugram 41°C, Sirsa 41°C, Rohtak 40.3°C and Hisar 39.6°C. In Punjab, Bathinda and Faridkot recorded 41.6°C each. Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 38°C, adding to the overall heat stress in the region.
Rajasthan is also facing above-normal temperatures. Kota recorded the highest at 42°C. Cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner are also experiencing hotter-than-usual conditions.
Authorities have issued a heatwave warning for districts such as Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jhunjhunu, Bharatpur, and Dholpur from April 23.
Himachal Pradesh has seen dry weather recently, but a wet spell is expected between April 24 and April 27. A yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi on April 25.
In Jammu and Kashmir, unseasonal snowfall has been reported. Despite harsh weather, Gujjar and Bakerwal communities have started their traditional migration towards highland pastures in the Chenab Valley.
- With inputs from agencies
