NEW DELHI: Large parts of the country remained under the grip of an intense heatwave on Friday, with temperatures soaring close to 48 degrees Celsius in several regions, prompting authorities to issue health advisories. They warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat raised concerns across the country.
The
India Meteorological Department (
IMD) has warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue across northwest, central, eastern and parts of peninsular India till May 28.
The soaring daytime temperatures, coupled with unusually warm nights, have significantly increased heat stress levels, especially in densely populated urban centres and regions dependent on outdoor labour. Meteorologists have cautioned that the lack of nighttime cooling is worsening the impact of the ongoing heat spell and increasing health risks for vulnerable groups.
Amid the scorching weather, Gurgaon witnessed a power outage on Friday night as a fault at a 220kV substation in Sector 72 knocked out supply across multiple areas. The blackout also disrupted Rapid Metro services, leaving commuters stranded and forcing many to walk along the tracks to reach nearby stations.
Also read: Power outage hits 8 substations in Gurgaon; ACs fail, metro commuters forced to walk on tracksIMD advisory: Heatwave alert till May 28
According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are expected to persist over large parts of northwest, central and eastern India over the next six to seven days. Severe heatwave conditions are likely to prevail over East Uttar Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh between May 22 and May 28.
The weather department has also forecast heatwave conditions across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during the same period, with severe heatwave spells likely between May 24 and May 27. Rajasthan is expected to continue experiencing intense heat, with West Rajasthan likely to face severe heatwave conditions from May 24 to May 28.
Several other regions, including Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of the Himalayan states, are also expected to witness heatwave conditions on different days through the week.
The IMD further warned of “warm night” conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha and Telangana. Such conditions, where temperatures remain unusually high even after sunset, are considered particularly dangerous because they prevent the body from recovering from daytime heat exposure.
Delhi-NCR: Scorching days, little relief ahead
Delhi continued to reel under severe heat, with temperatures remaining well above normal across most parts of the national capital. Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.3 degrees Celsius, while the Ridge observatory touched 44.4 degrees Celsius, among the highest readings in the capital.
The IMD has maintained a heatwave alert for Delhi till May 28, warning that temperatures could climb further and touch 45 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Although temporary wind pattern changes brought slight relief in some areas, weather experts said hot desert winds are likely to intensify again.
Light rain or thunderstorms may occur in isolated pockets, but officials said they are unlikely to provide any substantial reduction in daytime temperatures.
Also read: Heatwave conditions likely in parts of Delhi till May 28Uttar Pradesh: Banda hottest in India at 47.6°C
Uttar Pradesh emerged as one of the worst-affected states amid the ongoing heatwave. Banda recorded the highest temperature in the country at 47.6 degrees Celsius, while Prayagraj registered 46.6 degrees Celsius and Varanasi recorded 45.6 degrees Celsius.
The IMD issued a red alert for 10 districts in the state, warning of severe to very severe heatwave conditions. Authorities in Banda took unusual measures to reduce public exposure to the scorching heat, including switching off traffic signals during peak afternoon hours to minimise waiting time for commuters under direct sunlight.
Also read: Kanpur braces for blistering weekend as mercury soarsRajasthan, Punjab, Haryana: Severe heat intensifies
Northwest India remained firmly in the grip of extreme heat as hot and dry winds swept across Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. Haryana’s Rohtak recorded 45.3 degrees Celsius, while temperatures in parts of Faridabad crossed the 45-degree mark.
Gurgaon recorded temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to issue an orange alert from May 24 to May 27. Weather officials said dry conditions and strong hot winds are expected to continue, with only isolated chances of light rainfall.
Madhya Pradesh and Central India: Persistent severe conditions
Central India, particularly Madhya Pradesh, is witnessing prolonged periods of severe heat. East Madhya Pradesh is expected to face severe heatwave conditions throughout the forecast period, according to the IMD.
High nighttime temperatures are compounding the situation, increasing heat stress and limiting recovery from the extreme daytime temperatures. Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such conditions can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Also read: Heat crisis deepens in North: Longer spells, rising night tempsEastern India: Rising heat and humidity
Eastern states such as Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal are facing a dangerous combination of heat and high humidity levels. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist in pockets of Odisha and Jharkhand through the week.
The IMD has also warned of warm night conditions in Odisha till May 26, adding to public discomfort and health risks. Meteorologists said rising humidity levels are making the heat feel more oppressive, particularly in coastal and low-lying regions.
Peninsular India: Heat spreads south
The heatwave has also extended into parts of southern India. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Telangana are likely to witness heatwave conditions on multiple days over the coming week.
In Vijayawada, civic authorities installed green shade nets at major intersections to provide relief to commuters and traffic personnel exposed to prolonged sunlight during peak afternoon hours.
Himalayan states: Unusual heat patterns
Even the Himalayan states, which generally remain cooler during this time of the year, are witnessing unusual heat patterns. The IMD has forecast isolated heatwave conditions in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, underlining the widespread nature of the current heat event.
Why this heatwave is more dangerous
Climate experts have linked the increasing intensity and duration of heatwaves in India to climate change. According to studies, the duration of heatwaves in the country has increased by around 0.44 days per decade.
Also read: What's fuelling temperature spike in India?Experts also noted that rising nighttime temperatures and increasing humidity levels have made recent heatwaves significantly more dangerous. Unlike earlier heat events, where temperatures dropped after sunset, many regions are now experiencing persistently high night temperatures that reduce recovery time for the human body.
The combination of extreme daytime heat, warm nights and humidity is posing heightened risks for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, outdoor workers and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Authorities across several states have urged residents to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours, remain hydrated and follow health advisories issued by local administrations.
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