Banda Sizzles at 47.6°C, World's Hottest Spot Amid India Heatwave

Uttar Pradesh's Banda records highest global temperature as mercury crosses 46°C in 8 cities; Centre gears up hospitals for heatstroke cases

Banda in Uttar Pradesh hit a blistering 47.6°C on Monday, clinching the unwanted title of the world's hottest place that day. The mercury shattered the city's previous records of 47.4°C from April 30, 2022, and 47.4°C earlier this April. Severe heatwave conditions gripped large swathes of India, with temperatures soaring past 46°C in at least eight locations across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Banda Tops Global Chart

Local weather stations in Banda confirmed the extreme reading late Monday afternoon, as residents battled unrelenting sun. "It's hotter than anything we've seen in years," one shopkeeper near the main market told reporters, wiping sweat from his brow. The heat came on the heels of a dry spell, pushing daily highs well beyond seasonal norms.

Rajasthan, MP Feel the Burn

Jaisalmer in Rajasthan wasn't far behind at 46.6°C, eclipsing its April 18, 2025, mark of 46.3°C. Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh clocked 46°C—its highest in a decade, officials said. Barmer (46°C) in Rajasthan added to the tally, while Maharashtra saw Wardha at 46.5°C, Amravati 46.6°C, and Akola 46.3°C. Initial reports indicate at least six other spots hovered around 46°C or more.

Ground-level scenes painted a grim picture. In Bikaner, people flocked to water stalls—or "pyaau"—sipping from earthen pots under the scorching sun. Nagpur Railway Station rolled out a mist cooling system, spraying fine water droplets that offered brief relief to waiting passengers. In Prayagraj, workers rushed to install coolers around transformers to prevent fires from the heat.

Mumbai, Delhi Battle On

Even metros weren't spared. Mumbai pedestrians stepped out with heads covered, shielding from the glare. Delhi saw women and girls using scarves and sunglasses on the streets, while a bird was spotted desperately drinking from puddles on Kartavya Path. Nagpur girls, heads wrapped in scarves, grabbed ice creams for a momentary cool-down.

Centre Steps In on Health Front

With heat-related cases rising, the central government directed all states and Union Territories to set up Heat Stroke Management Units in hospitals. "This is to handle the growing risk of heat illnesses," a health ministry official noted, urging quick implementation. Authorities emphasized hydration and avoiding peak sun hours.

IMD Issues Wide Alerts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast no let-up soon. For Tuesday, April 29, heatwave warnings blanket Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Maharashtra—right where the Banda heatwave 47.6°C peaked.

Northeastern states like Assam and Meghalaya could see heavy to very heavy rain, a stark contrast. Uttarakhand faces hailstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.

What's Next for April 30

Hot, humid weather lingers in Odisha parts, IMD said. Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand brace for thunderstorms and hail. Lightning, thunder, and winds up to 40 kmph hit Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh.

Public health experts warn of prolonged exposure risks, especially for outdoor workers and the elderly. Local bodies in affected areas have ramped up water points and advisories. As the Banda heatwave 47.6°C underscores, India's summer is turning fiercer—testing resilience across cities and villages.