NEW DELHI, INDIA — May 23, 2026
India is facing one of its most intense heatwaves in recent years, with all 50 of the world’s hottest cities recorded within the country on Friday, according to global weather monitoring data.
The extreme heat has gripped large parts of northern, central, and eastern India, pushing temperatures above dangerous levels from morning through late night. Uttar Pradesh emerged as one of the worst-hit states, accounting for 26 of the world’s 50 hottest cities during the day.
The relentless heat has raised fresh concerns over public health, climate change, water shortages, and rising energy demand across several regions.
Temperatures Soared Above 43°C in 24 Cities Before Noon
According to data released at 10:50 AM by a global weather and air-quality tracking platform, all 50 cities listed among the hottest worldwide were located in India.
The average maximum temperature among those cities stood at 42.6°C.
Among the hottest locations:
- Balangir in Odisha recorded 45°C
- Chandrapur in Maharashtra reached 44°C
- Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh touched 44°C
The report showed:
- 6 cities recorded 44°C
- 17 cities recorded 43°C
- 24 cities recorded 42°C
Besides Uttar Pradesh, the list also included several cities from Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
Banda Hottest in Uttar Pradesh, Brahmapuri Tops India
By Friday evening, the heat intensified further across the country.
According to meteorological data released at 5:30 PM, at least 19 Indian cities recorded temperatures above 45°C, including six cities in Uttar Pradesh.
Banda in Uttar Pradesh became the hottest city in the state at 46.4°C, while Brahmapuri in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region recorded the country’s highest temperature at 47.2°C.
Meteorologists warned that nighttime temperatures are also remaining unusually high, limiting relief for residents after sunset.
On Thursday night, nearly 35 cities recorded temperatures around or above 30°C, reflecting persistent overnight heat stress conditions.
Heatwave Conditions Continue Across North India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for severe to very severe heatwave conditions across northwestern plains, central India, and parts of eastern India over the next seven days.
Officials warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat could increase the risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses, particularly among children, senior citizens, and outdoor workers.
Experts say the ongoing heatwave is also placing pressure on electricity consumption, water supply systems, and agricultural activity.
Sudden Weather Shift Brings Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh
While plains continued to battle extreme heat, parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed an abrupt weather reversal on Friday.
Snowfall was reported in high-altitude regions including:
- Rohtang Pass
- Kinnaur Kailash
- Pangi-Bharmour
Shimla experienced rain and strong winds, causing temperatures to drop by nearly 5 to 6 degrees Celsius.
A snowstorm also swept through Rohtang Top, where nearly 10 centimeters of snowfall disrupted traffic movement and stranded hundreds of tourist vehicles.
Fresh snowfall was also reported in Shinkula, Baralacha, and Kunzum Pass regions.
Nainital Records Hottest Temperature in Five Years
The popular hill station of Nainital, known for its cool climate and scenic weather, also witnessed unusual heat conditions.
The city recorded a temperature of 31.5°C on Friday — the highest in the last five years.
Climate experts attributed the rising temperatures in hill regions to climate change, deforestation, and rapid urbanization, which are increasingly altering local weather patterns.
Climate Concerns Intensify
Environmental experts say the scale and intensity of this year’s heatwave underline the growing impact of climate change across South Asia.
Rising global temperatures, declining green cover, and rapid urban expansion are believed to be amplifying heatwave frequency and severity across India.
With weather agencies warning of continued extreme heat in the coming days, authorities are urging residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, stay hydrated, and follow heat safety advisories.
