New Delhi, India – May 19, 2026
Large parts of North, West, and Central India continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions on Monday as temperatures crossed dangerous levels in several states. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Rajasthan’s Barmer recorded a scorching 45.4 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours, while Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged among the hottest locations in the country with a maximum temperature of 47.6 degrees Celsius.
Delhi-NCR also witnessed severe heat conditions, with daytime temperatures hovering between 42 and 43 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued heatwave alerts for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra for the next seven days, warning that temperatures in many areas could rise beyond 45 degrees Celsius.
Orange Alert Issued for Severe Heat and Warm Nights
The weather department has issued an orange alert for severe heatwave conditions in western Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh. Residents in these regions are also expected to experience unusually warm nights, increasing health risks associated with prolonged heat exposure.
Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha regions have also been placed under orange alert due to intense heatwave conditions.
Meteorologists said the current weather pattern reflects two sharply contrasting climate conditions across India. While northwestern regions are battling extreme heat and dry winds, northeastern and southern states are witnessing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and hailstorms.
Multiple Weather Systems Active Across India
According to weather experts, several atmospheric systems are simultaneously influencing India’s climate conditions. Western disturbances affecting northwestern India are triggering rainfall and strong winds in hilly states.
At the same time, continuous moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea is fueling heavy rain and thunderstorm activity across Northeast and South India.
Meteorologists added that upper-air cyclonic circulations combined with intense surface heating are further intensifying heatwave conditions across northern parts of the country.
Temperatures May Rise Further in Coming Days
The IMD said temperatures in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to rise further over the next three days. The national capital could record temperatures close to 44 degrees Celsius, while some areas may witness an additional increase of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Western Uttar Pradesh is likely to face severe heatwave conditions, while residents in Rajasthan continue to struggle with extremely hot nights that are providing little relief from daytime heat.
Heavy Rainfall Warning for Northeast India
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall activity is expected to continue across Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura over the next few days.
The IMD has issued yellow alerts in several districts and warned that rainfall could reach up to 115.5 mm in some areas. Authorities have also cautioned residents about the risk of lightning strikes and localized flooding.
People living in low-lying areas and near rivers or streams have been advised to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.
South India Braces for Storms and Hail
Southern states including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Lakshadweep are likely to witness continued rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Wind speeds between 50 and 60 kilometers per hour are expected in several areas, while parts of Karnataka may experience hailstorms. The weather department has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea due to rough weather conditions.
Weather May Shift Across Eastern and Central India
States such as West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh may also experience rapidly changing weather conditions in the coming days.
Jharkhand could witness thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour, while Chhattisgarh may receive light rainfall along with strong winds. Authorities have advised residents to avoid open fields and stay away from tall trees during storm activity.
Health Advisory Issued Amid Rising Temperatures
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the Union Health Ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of AYUSH, has issued a public advisory to help people cope with rising temperatures.
The advisory recommends:
- Drinking adequate water and electrolyte-rich fluids
- Avoiding direct sunlight during afternoon hours
- Wearing lightweight cotton clothing
- Consuming seasonal fruits and cooling beverages
- Practicing breathing exercises and yoga techniques
Health authorities warned that infants, children, pregnant women, elderly citizens, outdoor workers, and individuals suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure are especially vulnerable during heatwave conditions and require special care and monitoring.
Weather officials continue to monitor the evolving climate systems closely as India experiences one of the season’s most dramatic weather contrasts, with deadly heatwaves in the north and severe rainfall events across eastern and southern regions.
