16 Cities Cross 45°C

At least 16 weather stations across India recorded maximum temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius or more on Sunday, as a harsh heatwave tightened its grip over large swathes of the country.

The highest was logged at Banda in Uttar Pradesh, where the mercury touched 47.6 degrees. That is 5.4 degrees above the long-term normal for this time of year, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The readings are based on observations made on April 27, 2025.

Rajasthan Among Worst-Hit

Rajasthan continued to bear the brunt of the extreme heat. Jaisalmer reported 46.4 degrees – a departure of nearly five degrees from the 1991-2020 baseline. Kota recorded 45.7 degrees, while Churu and Phalodi were not far behind at 45.3 and 45.4 respectively.

Officials said the absence of any significant western disturbance over northwest India has allowed dry, hot air to prevail across the region. There is also little cloud cover, which has caused daytime temperatures to spike sharply.

Central India Feels the Burn

The heat is not limited to the northern plains. Several stations in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh also breached the 45-degree mark.

Amravati in eastern Maharashtra recorded 46.6 degrees, while Wardha and Akola reported 46.5 and 46.3 respectively. Adilabad in Telangana touched 45.3. In Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho – famous for its temple complex – recorded exactly 46 degrees.

Locals and tourists in these areas have been struggling with the daytime conditions. According to people familiar with the situation, outdoor activity has visibly thinned after 11 am in most towns.

IMD’s Baseline and What Is ‘Normal’

The IMD defines “normal” based on a 30-year average from 1991 to 2020. Any reading that exceeds this by 4.5 degrees or more falls under the severe heatwave category in the plains.

In most of the 16 stations listed, the departure from normal ranged between 2.2 and 5.4 degrees. At Jaisalmer, the 4.9-degree departure is notably high even by April standards, which are typically the hottest pre-monsoon months.

Health and Power Concerns

Officials have not yet released any heat-related casualty figures, but local authorities in affected districts have begun issuing advisories. Residents are being asked to avoid stepping out between noon and 3 pm, and to stay hydrated.

Power grids in parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are under strain due to the increased load from cooling appliances. Sources familiar with ground-level conditions said some rural areas experienced brief outages during peak afternoon hours, though restoration has been prompt so far.

Schools in a handful of districts have adjusted their timings, starting early and closing by lunch.

No Immediate Relief in Sight

The IMD has indicated that similar conditions are likely to persist over the next 48 to 72 hours. There is no forecast of any large-scale thunderstorm activity that could bring down the mercury.

Weather analysts tracking the situation said the intensity may ease slightly towards the end of the week, but only marginally. Until then, residents across north, northwest, and parts of central India will have to brace for more days of severe heat.

The data, which was compiled by IMD and shared late Sunday evening, serves as a stark reminder that April 2025 is on track to be among the hotter months in recent years.