NEW DELHI, INDIA — May 26, 2026
Heatwave Alert in India intensified on Tuesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for several parts of North and Central India amid scorching temperatures, humid conditions, and dangerously warm nights during the ongoing Nautapa period.
Large parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions as temperatures crossed 45 degrees Celsius in multiple cities. Weather officials warned that severe heat and hot nights are expected to continue for the next four to five days, raising concerns over public health, power demand, and water shortages.
According to the IMD, the current weather pattern is linked to Nautapa, a traditional nine-day period that began this week and is associated with the sun’s direct rays falling over the Indian subcontinent. During this phase, temperatures typically rise sharply, humidity levels drop in many regions, and hot dry winds known as “loo” intensify across North India.
Banda Emerges as India’s Hottest City at 46.8°C
Uttar Pradesh recorded some of the highest temperatures in the country on Monday, with Banda emerging as the hottest city after the mercury touched 46.8 degrees Celsius. Other districts including Orai, Jhansi, and Prayagraj also witnessed extreme heat, recording temperatures around 45.6 degrees Celsius. Agra reported a maximum temperature of 45.4 degrees Celsius.
In neighboring Haryana, Sirsa recorded 46.2 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest locations in the state, while Bathinda in Punjab touched 44.7 degrees Celsius amid intense heatwave conditions.
Rajasthan also remained under the grip of severe heat, with Kota reaching 45.6 degrees Celsius. Chittorgarh and Sri Ganganagar recorded temperatures close to 45 degrees, while most other districts in the desert state continued to remain above the 40-degree mark.
Residents across affected states reported oppressive daytime heat combined with uncomfortable humidity levels, making outdoor activities extremely difficult during afternoon hours.
Delhi Records Hottest May Night in 14 Years
The national capital experienced one of its warmest nights in more than a decade as heat and humidity combined to create extremely uncomfortable conditions. According to IMD data, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 32.4 degrees Celsius between Sunday and Monday night, making it the hottest May night in the city in the last 14 years.
Meteorologists noted that dusty skies and rising moisture levels contributed to the unusually high nighttime temperatures. Weather experts say hot nights are particularly dangerous because they reduce the body’s ability to recover from daytime heat stress, especially for elderly citizens, children, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
The last time Delhi witnessed such a warm May night was on May 26, 2012, when nighttime temperatures reached similarly elevated levels.
The prolonged spell of high nighttime temperatures has also increased electricity demand across the capital as residents rely heavily on air conditioners and coolers to cope with the heat.
IMD Predicts Relief After May 29 Due to Western Disturbance
Despite the ongoing heatwave, the India Meteorological Department has indicated that some relief may arrive later this week. Officials said a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India after May 29, potentially lowering temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in several states.
The weather system could bring thunderstorms, gusty winds, and scattered rainfall to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The IMD expects heatwave conditions and hot nights to persist at least until May 28 before gradual improvement begins.
Experts say even a modest drop in temperatures could significantly reduce heat stress levels in densely populated urban centers currently experiencing severe thermal discomfort.
Rainfall Brings Relief in Hills and Southern States
While North India battles extreme heat, several hill states and southern regions are witnessing heavy rainfall activity.
In Jammu and Kashmir, strong rain showers and cloudy conditions led to a sharp drop in temperatures across the Kashmir Valley. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 23.3 degrees Celsius, nearly 2 degrees below normal levels.
Himachal Pradesh authorities have advised schools to reduce outdoor activities, including morning assemblies, sports, and physical training sessions, due to the ongoing heatwave in lower hill districts.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall continued across parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Northeast India. The IMD has issued red alerts for isolated areas in West Bengal as well, warning of intense rain and localized flooding risks.
Weather officials expect heavy rainfall activity to continue in northeastern states over the next six to seven days, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are likely to receive significant showers over the next two to three days.
Health Experts Issue Heatwave Precautions
Health authorities have urged people in heatwave-affected areas to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours. Doctors recommend staying hydrated, wearing light-colored clothing, and limiting strenuous physical activity under direct sunlight.
Experts also warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke. Vulnerable groups including children, outdoor workers, elderly citizens, and individuals with chronic illnesses are being advised to remain especially cautious.
Public health officials say the combination of extreme daytime temperatures and unusually hot nights can worsen physical stress on the body and contribute to sleep disruption and fatigue.
FAQs
1. What is the current Heatwave Alert in India?
The IMD has issued red alerts for several states in North and Central India due to severe heatwave conditions and hot nights.
2. Which city recorded the highest temperature in India?
Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest temperature at 46.8 degrees Celsius.
3. Why is Nautapa associated with extreme heat?
During Nautapa, the sun’s rays fall more directly over the region, leading to sharp temperature increases and stronger heatwave conditions.
4. When will North India get relief from the heatwave?
The IMD expects some relief after May 29 due to a western disturbance likely to bring rain and lower temperatures.
5. Why are hot nights considered dangerous during heatwaves?
Hot nights prevent the body from cooling down properly, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and physical stress.
