Several parts of North and Central India are battling extreme heatwave conditions, with temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius and the IMD issuing warnings for more than 10 states until May 26.
New Delhi: India is witnessing one of the harshest heatwaves of the season, with temperatures soaring beyond 45 degrees Celsius in several cities across North and Central India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alerts for multiple states, warning that the scorching conditions are expected to continue over the coming days.
Delhi recorded its warmest May night in nearly 14 years on Wednesday, while daytime temperatures in parts of the capital are expected to touch 46 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Delhi, urging people to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and remain hydrated.
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The heatwave has spread across a wide belt of northern and central states, affecting daily life, public health, agriculture, and power demand. Authorities in several regions have issued advisories asking residents, especially children, elderly people, and outdoor workers, to take precautions during peak afternoon hours.
States facing severe heatwave conditions
According to the IMD, severe heatwave conditions are expected across several states over the next few days. Areas likely to remain under intense heat include:
- Delhi
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Chandigarh
- Uttar Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Bihar
- Odisha
- Chhattisgarh
- Telangana
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam
- Parts of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Uttarakhand
The IMD said heatwave conditions are likely to continue in many of these regions till May 26.
Warm nights worsening discomfort
Apart from extreme daytime temperatures, several states are also witnessing unusually warm nights, making conditions more difficult for residents. Warm night conditions are expected in parts of Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Vidarbha.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are likely to experience hot and humid weather, with similar conditions forecast in Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha over the next few days.
Power and water demand rise sharply
The prolonged heatwave has increased electricity consumption and water demand in major cities. Cooling systems, air-conditioners, and water supply networks are under pressure as temperatures continue to climb.
Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Authorities are advising people to stay indoors during afternoon hours, wear light clothing, and drink water frequently.
Rain forecast offers relief in some regions
While much of North and Central India remains under heatwave conditions, the IMD has predicted rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of eastern and northeastern India.
States including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim, and Gangetic West Bengal are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
Rain has also been forecast in parts of southern India, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Why the heatwave matters
Meteorologists have repeatedly warned that extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to changing climate patterns. Rising temperatures not only affect human health but also impact crops, livestock, transportation, and urban infrastructure.
With temperatures remaining dangerously high across several states, authorities continue to monitor conditions closely as India enters the peak summer period.
Published: 21 May 2026, 02:51 pm IST
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