New Delhi, India — May 22, 2026
Large parts of India continue to face severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius across several northern and central states, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue multiple warnings for extreme heat, hot nights, and humid weather conditions.
According to the latest IMD data and heat index reports, Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest city in the country, recording a blistering maximum temperature of 48.2°C.
Several other cities also witnessed dangerously high temperatures, intensifying concerns over public health, water shortages, and heat-related illnesses.
Top 10 Hottest Cities in India
| City | State | Maximum Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Banda | Uttar Pradesh | 48.2°C |
| Khajuraho | Madhya Pradesh | 47.4°C |
| Sri Ganganagar | Rajasthan | 46.5°C |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh | 46.0°C |
| Jhansi | Uttar Pradesh | 46.0°C |
| Jammu | Jammu & Kashmir | 46.0°C |
| Agra | Uttar Pradesh | 45.0°C |
| Gwalior | Madhya Pradesh | 45.0°C |
| Kota | Rajasthan | 45.0°C |
| New Delhi | Delhi | 44–45°C |
The weather department warned that severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist across several states over the coming days.
In Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab, the IMD has forecast heatwave to severe heatwave conditions between May 22 and May 27.
Eastern and western parts of Uttar Pradesh are also expected to experience intense heatwave conditions during the same period, while severe heat alerts have been issued for parts of Rajasthan between May 25 and May 27.
The IMD further warned of extreme heat conditions in eastern regions of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam through May 25.
Heatwave advisories have additionally been issued for Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
IMD Warns of Hot Nights and Humid Conditions
Apart from daytime temperatures, meteorologists have also warned about unusually warm nights in several regions, a condition that significantly increases heat stress and health risks.
The IMD said night temperatures are likely to remain above normal in Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha, Bihar, and the Delhi-NCR region over the next few days.
Meanwhile, humid weather conditions are expected to persist in Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
More than 15 districts in Tamil Nadu have already recorded temperatures above 39°C, with Chennai touching 42°C earlier this week.
Regional weather authorities have warned of heatwave-like conditions in coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, although thunderstorms, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall are expected to bring temporary relief to districts including Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Namakkal, Vellore, Tirupattur, and Dharmapuri beginning May 23.
Monsoon Update: Conditions Favor Further Advancement
In a major update on the monsoon, the IMD said conditions are becoming favorable for the further advancement of the southwest monsoon over the next three to four days.
The department said the monsoon is likely to advance into additional parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, the Comorin region, the Bay of Bengal, and the remaining areas of the Andaman Sea.
Weather experts believe the monsoon’s progress could eventually bring much-needed relief to several heat-affected regions if conditions continue to develop as forecast.
Authorities have advised people to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated, and follow local weather advisories as extreme heat conditions continue across the country.
