Severe heatwave grips India, temperatures soar beyond 47°C in several states; IMD issues alerts till May 24
India heatwave update: Large parts of North and Central India continue to reel under an intense heatwave, with temperatures touching dangerously high levels across several states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that extreme heat conditions are likely to persist until May 24, while several regions may also witness unusually warm nights.
On Monday, many districts in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Maharashtra recorded temperatures above 46°C. Uttar Pradesh’s Banda emerged as the hottest location in the country for the second consecutive day, registering a scorching 47.6°C.
Bathinda in Punjab recorded 47°C, while Maharashtra’s Wardha touched 46.5°C. Haryana’s Sirsa and Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh and Pilani also reported temperatures of around 46.2°C.
Private weather forecasting agency Skymet stated that nearly half of the country, excluding parts of the Northeast and southern coastal regions, is likely to remain under the influence of severe heatwave conditions this week.
The IMD has issued heatwave warnings for several states over the next few days. For May 20, alerts have been issued in 19 districts of Rajasthan, 33 districts of Uttar Pradesh and 10 districts of Punjab. Jharkhand is likely to witness heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, while parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may receive rain accompanied by hailstorms.
On May 21, Rajasthan is expected to face severe heatwave conditions along with unusually hot nights. Similar weather is likely in Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.
At the same time, heavy rainfall is forecast in Assam, Meghalaya, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and several northeastern states, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.
Madhya Pradesh remained among the worst-affected states as temperatures crossed 44°C in 22 cities for the first time this season. Khajuraho recorded 46.8°C on Monday, narrowly missing its all-time May record of 46.9°C set in April 1993. Nearby Naugaon also witnessed severe heat, with the mercury climbing to 46°C.
Weather officials said dry winds and prolonged exposure to intense sunlight are contributing to rapidly rising temperatures across the region.
In Uttar Pradesh, heatwave conditions continued unabated, with Banda remaining the hottest city in the country.
The IMD has issued heatwave warnings for 39 districts, including Prayagraj, Kanpur and Varanasi. Health authorities have advised residents to avoid outdoor activity during afternoon hours and remain hydrated.
Rajasthan is witnessing extreme daytime temperatures along with rising night temperatures, making conditions more uncomfortable for residents.
The weather department has issued orange alerts for severe heatwave conditions in five districts and yellow alerts in another five. On Monday, nine cities in the state recorded temperatures between 45°C and 47°C.
In Bihar, Gaya recorded 44.6°C, making it the hottest district in the state. Rohtas and Buxar also witnessed temperatures above 44°C. Red alerts for heatwave conditions have been issued in Rohtas, Kaimur and Buxar districts.
Haryana saw a sharp rise in temperatures, with the state’s average maximum temperature increasing by nearly 2°C above normal. Sirsa remained the hottest district at 46.2°C, while heatwave alerts have been issued in 16 districts.
Punjab and Chandigarh are also expected to face severe heat conditions over the coming days. Chandigarh remains under yellow alert till May 24, while several districts in Punjab are likely to experience heatwave conditions through the week.
- With inputs from agencies
