New Delhi, India — April 26, 2026
A severe heatwave has gripped large parts of India even before the onset of May, with temperatures soaring beyond 40°C across multiple regions and triggering health alerts in at least 10 states.
According to the India Meteorological Department, several areas in northwestern, central, and peninsular India recorded maximum temperatures between 40°C and 44°C on Saturday. The city of Prayagraj emerged as the hottest location in the country, with the mercury touching a scorching 45.2°C.
In a tragic development, a heatwave-related death was reported from Kannur in Kerala, underscoring the growing health risks associated with extreme weather conditions.
🌍 India Dominates Global Heat Index
Fresh data released by AQI.in revealed a striking global trend: 95 out of the world’s 100 hottest cities were in India on Saturday.
Cities such as Prayagraj, Bilaspur, Varanasi, and Buxar ranked among the top 20 hottest globally. States including Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha accounted for a significant share of these extreme temperature readings.
⚠️ IMD Issues Heatwave Alert Across 10 States
The India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for the next 48 hours, covering major parts of the country.
States under heatwave alert (April 26):
Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Warm nights warning:
Parts of Delhi, Haryana, and Odisha are expected to experience unusually high nighttime temperatures, offering little relief from daytime heat.
High humidity conditions:
Regions in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are likely to face intense heat combined with high humidity, worsening discomfort levels.
🌧️ Slight Relief Ahead
The weather department has indicated a possibility of light rainfall with thunderstorms between April 27 and April 30 in parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. This could bring a marginal dip in temperatures, though widespread relief remains unlikely.
🏫 States Take Emergency Measures
Authorities across several states have begun implementing precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the heatwave:
- School timings revised: Districts like Jaipur, Kota, and Jaisalmer have shifted school hours to early mornings, starting at 7:30 AM.
- Worker safety rules: Laborers under government schemes are now restricted to working between 6:00 AM and 1:00 PM to avoid peak heat exposure.
- Kerala issues ‘self-lockdown’: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged residents to observe a “self-lockdown” between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, discouraging public gatherings and outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
🚑 Health Advisory
Health experts are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and monitor symptoms of heatstroke, especially among children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.
