Severe heatwave conditions continued to grip large parts of India on Sunday, with Uttar Pradesh’s Banda recording a scorching 46.2°C even as thunderstorms brought temporary relief to some northern regions. Private weather agencies reported that 37 Indian cities figured among the 50 hottest places globally, highlighting the extreme summer of 2026.

Brahmapuri in Maharashtra remained the hottest spot in the country for the second consecutive day, touching 47.1°C on Saturday. Several other locations including Chandrapur, Raipur and Prayagraj also saw temperatures soar above 45°C, according to data from AQI.in.

Extreme Temperatures Sweep Multiple States

More than half the country battled intense heat, with maximum temperatures crossing 45°C in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha. In Delhi, several areas crossed 44°C, forcing residents to seek whatever shade they could find during peak afternoon hours.

However, afternoon thunderstorms and scattered rainfall offered some respite in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Temperatures in parts of Rajasthan dropped below 45°C after the weather shifted suddenly late Saturday.

Heatstroke Deaths Reported in Telangana

The extreme conditions have begun claiming lives. Telangana reported 16 heatstroke deaths across seven districts in the past 24 hours. The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert for Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mulugu and Mahbubnagar districts till May 26. Officials urged citizens to avoid outdoor activity between 11 am and 4 pm.

Ground Reality Amid Scorching Heat

Across northern and central India, people adapted to the harsh weather in their own ways. In New Delhi, commuters wore caps and scarves to shield themselves from the blazing sun and hot winds. At Prayagraj railway station, passengers wrapped gamchas around their heads and shoulders while waiting for trains.

In Amritsar, a woman was seen covering her family with a dupatta for protection. Nagpur witnessed bikers covering their faces and heads with cloth to beat the heat. Even tourists at the Taj Mahal in Agra struggled, with many stopping frequently to drink water.

Wildlife too felt the impact. At Birsa Munda Zoological Park in Ranchi, authorities sprayed water in the lion enclosure to keep the animals cool.

Two-Day Weather Outlook

The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued heatwave conditions for the next couple of days in several states. On May 25, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are likely to see clear skies and intense sunshine. Southern states such as Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, along with Assam and Meghalaya, may receive rain, thunderstorms and strong winds.

On May 26, heatwave alerts remain active for Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Humid conditions are expected to make it uncomfortable in West Bengal and Odisha.

Heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Karnataka and West Bengal.

Regional Heatwave Alerts

Rajasthan has issued heatwave warnings for 18 districts even as light rain occurred in Jaipur, Tonk, Alwar, Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar. Madhya Pradesh has alerted 37 districts, with Nowgong and Khajuraho crossing 45°C. Himachal Pradesh is bracing for severe heat over the next five days, particularly in its plains and lower hills starting May 26. Gujarat too expects dry conditions and temperatures above 40°C till the end of the month.

The current spell of extreme heat comes as India experiences one of its harshest pre-monsoon periods in recent years. With monsoon arrival still weeks away in most parts, authorities continue to advise caution, especially for vulnerable groups including the elderly, children and outdoor workers.

As temperatures remain high across large parts of the country, the India heatwave is likely to dominate public attention and administrative focus in the coming days.

Heatwave Alert: Heatstroke Risks Rise as Temperatures Soar

With heatstroke cases likely to increase amid extreme summer heat, experts outline warning signs and simple steps to protect children and the elderly.

As large parts of India continue to reel under an intense heatwave, health experts are warning of a sharp rise in Heatstroke cases, particularly among vulnerable groups. In most states outside the Northeast, daytime temperatures have been hovering between 40°C and 47°C, with several cities in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra already crossing 46°C earlier this month.

Medical professionals say that once temperatures climb above 40°C, the risk of heatstroke rises significantly, especially when exposure to the sun is prolonged or hydration is inadequate.

Rising heat concerns

The current spell of extreme heat has pushed hospitals and local health systems to remain on alert. According to officials, the combination of high temperatures and humidity can make it difficult for the human body to cool itself effectively.

In such conditions, thermoregulation — the body’s natural cooling mechanism — may fail, causing body temperature to spike beyond safe limits. This can lead to damage to vital organs including the brain, heart and kidneys if not addressed quickly.

Early warning signs

Doctors note that early symptoms of heatstroke often resemble dehydration. These include intense thirst, headache, dizziness and fatigue. As the condition worsens, more severe signs may emerge, such as confusion, fainting, rapid pulse and vomiting.

“Initial symptoms are often ignored or mistaken for general fatigue, which delays intervention,” a senior physician at a government hospital said. “Timely action is crucial.”

Heat exhaustion vs stroke

Health experts also underline the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke. While heat exhaustion is less severe and typically results from excessive sweating and dehydration, it can still signal that the body is under stress.

Heatstroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency. In such cases, body temperature can rise to 40°C or more, sweating may stop, and the person may become disoriented or unconscious. Immediate medical attention is essential.

High-risk groups

Children, elderly individuals, and those working outdoors are among the most vulnerable. According to health officials, young children dehydrate more quickly, while older adults often have a reduced ability to regulate body temperature.

People with chronic illnesses such as heart or kidney conditions, as well as those on certain medications, are also at higher risk. Outdoor workers and athletes exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods face additional danger.

When it turns dangerous

Heatstroke risk increases further under specific conditions — prolonged exposure to sunlight between noon and 4 PM, lack of ventilation in enclosed spaces, and intense physical activity during peak heat hours.

Authorities have also flagged the danger of leaving individuals, especially children or elderly persons, inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can rise rapidly.

Immediate response steps

If someone shows signs of heatstroke, quick action can be life-saving. Officials advise moving the person to a shaded or cool area immediately, loosening tight clothing, and cooling the body using a damp cloth or cold compress.

If the person is conscious, small sips of water or oral rehydration solutions may help. However, in cases of unconsciousness, seizures, or persistent vomiting, medical help should be sought without delay.

Prevention remains key

Doctors stress that preventive measures can significantly reduce risk. Staying hydrated, wearing loose cotton clothing, and avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat hours are among the simplest yet most effective strategies.

For those who must work outdoors, frequent breaks in shaded areas and regular intake of fluids are essential. Experts also recommend avoiding alcohol and excessive caffeine during extreme heat.

Protecting vulnerable groups

Special care is advised for children and the elderly. Keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated, ensuring regular fluid intake, and limiting outdoor exposure during the hottest part of the day can help prevent complications.

Caregivers are also urged to watch for signs of weakness or unusual fatigue, which may indicate early heat-related stress.

Looking ahead

With forecasts indicating continued high temperatures in the coming weeks, authorities are expected to step up public awareness campaigns around heat safety. The focus remains on early recognition of heatstroke symptoms and prompt intervention.

Health experts reiterate that while heatstroke is preventable, it can quickly turn fatal if ignored — making awareness and timely action critical during the ongoing summer heatwave.