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.