IMD’s advice: Heat wave alert till May 28

According to IMD, heat wave conditions are expected to persist over large parts of northwest, central and eastern India for the next six to seven days. Severe heat conditions are likely to persist over eastern Uttar Pradesh and eastern Madhya Pradesh between May 22 and May 28.The weather department has also predicted heatwave conditions in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during the same period, with a possibility of severe heatwave between May 24 and May 27. Extreme heat is likely to continue over Rajasthan, with western Rajasthan likely to face severe heatwave conditions between May 24 and May 28.Many other areas including Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of the Himalayan states are also expected to see heat wave conditions on different days during the week.IMD warned of “hot night” conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha and Telangana. Conditions where temperatures remain abnormally high even after sunset are considered particularly dangerous because they prevent the body from recovering from the heat of the day.

Delhi-NCR: Scorching days, some relief ahead

Delhi is in the grip of extreme heat and temperatures in most parts of the national capital remain well above normal. Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.3 degrees Celsius, while the temperature at the Ridge Observatory reached 44.4 degrees Celsius, the highest in the capital.The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for Delhi till May 28, warning that the temperature may rise further and reach 45 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Although the change in temporary wind patterns brought some relief in some areas, weather experts said the hot desert winds are likely to intensify again.Light rain or thundershowers may occur in isolated parts, but officials said this is not likely to bring any significant drop in the day temperature.

Uttar Pradesh: Banda was hottest in India with 47.6°C.

Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of the most affected states amid the scorching heat. The highest temperature in the country was recorded at 47.6 degrees Celsius in Banda, while it was 46.6 degrees Celsius in Prayagraj and 45.6 degrees Celsius in Varanasi.IMD has issued a red alert for 10 districts of the state, warning of severe to very severe heat. Authorities in Banda took unusual measures to reduce people’s exposure to the scorching heat, including closing traffic signals during afternoon peak hours to reduce waiting times for commuters under direct sunlight.

Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana: Extreme heat increases

North-west India is in the grip of extreme heat as hot and dry winds blow across Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. The temperature in Haryana’s Rohtak was recorded at 45.3 degrees Celsius, while in some parts of Faridabad the temperature crossed 45 degrees.Temperatures in Gurgaon were recorded above 42 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to issue an orange alert from May 24 to May 27. Dry conditions and strong hot winds are expected to continue, with only light rain possible, weather officials said.

Madhya Pradesh and Central India: Continued critical situation

Central India, especially Madhya Pradesh, has been experiencing severe heat for a long time. According to IMD, East Madhya Pradesh will face severe heat wave during the forecast period.High night temperatures are complicating the situation, increasing heat stress and limiting respite from extreme daytime temperatures. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such conditions can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Eastern India: Increasing heat and humidity

Eastern states like Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal are facing a dangerous combination of heat and high humidity levels. Heat wave conditions are expected to persist in parts of Odisha and Jharkhand throughout the week.The IMD has also warned of hot night conditions in Odisha till May 26, which will increase the suffering and health risks of the people. Meteorologists said that due to increase in humidity levels, the heat is being felt more intensely, especially in the coastal and low-lying areas.

Peninsular India: Heat spreads in the south

The heat wave has increased in some parts of South India also. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Telangana are likely to witness heat wave conditions for several days in the coming week.In Vijayawada, civic authorities installed green shade nets at major intersections to provide respite to commuters and traffic personnel facing long exposure to sunlight during afternoon rush hours.

Himalayan states: unusual heat patterns

Even the Himalayan states, which usually remain cool during this time of the year, are seeing unusual heat patterns. The IMD has predicted isolated heatwave conditions over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, underscoring the widespread nature of the current heat event.

Why is this heatwave more dangerous?

Climate experts have linked the increasing intensity and duration of heat waves in India to climate change. According to studies, the duration of heatwaves in the country has increased by about 0.44 days per decade.Experts also said rising night temperatures and rising humidity levels have made recent heat waves significantly more dangerous. Unlike earlier heat events, where temperatures would drop after sunset, night temperatures are now rising steadily in many areas, reducing the time it takes for the human body to recover.The combination of extreme daytime heat, hot nights and humidity is increasing the risk for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, outdoor workers and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Authorities in several states have urged residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, stay hydrated and follow health advisories issued by local administrations.