India is battling one of its harshest heatwaves of the season, with temperatures soaring dangerously close to 48 degrees Celsius in several regions. Uttar Pradesh’s Banda remained among the hottest places in the country for the second consecutive day, recording a blistering 47.6°C, while Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and parts of central India continued to reel under extreme heat conditions.
Major cities including Delhi, Ahmedabad and Nagpur witnessed temperatures between 41°C and 44°C, making outdoor activity risky during peak afternoon hours. Even nights have offered little relief, as minimum temperatures in many states stayed nearly five degrees above normal, worsening discomfort for millions.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the severe heatwave is likely to continue across northwestern and central India over the coming days. Experts say this year’s intense heat is being driven by a dangerous combination of seasonal weather patterns, climate change, and the growing influence of El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean.
Scientists explain that April and May are traditionally the hottest months in India due to strong solar radiation and dry winds flowing from Rajasthan and adjoining Pakistan. However, rapid urbanisation has intensified the crisis through the “urban heat island” effect, where concrete buildings, asphalt roads and shrinking green cover trap heat and raise city temperatures significantly above nearby rural areas.
Climate experts also warn that human-driven greenhouse gas emissions are steadily increasing baseline temperatures, making heatwaves more frequent, longer and more severe. Lower pre monsoon rainfall, clear skies and weak wind circulation have further prevented cooler air from reaching inland regions this year.
Global weather systems are also playing a major role. Meteorologists point to the likely return of El Niño, a climate pattern linked to unusually warm Pacific Ocean temperatures that often brings hotter and drier weather across Asia. The World Meteorological Organization has estimated a strong probability of El Niño developing between May and August, raising fears of weaker monsoon rainfall in India.
The IMD has already predicted that the 2026 southwest monsoon could remain below normal, with rainfall expected to be around 92 percent of the long-term average. Such conditions may increase pressure on water supplies, agriculture and electricity demand during the summer months.
Hospitals and health authorities across several states have issued advisories urging people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during afternoon hours and remain alert for symptoms of heatstroke, including dizziness, nausea and extreme fatigue. Farmers are also facing growing concerns over crop damage and heat stress affecting livestock.
With western disturbances yet to bring meaningful relief and thunderstorms remaining scattered, millions across India may have to prepare for several more days of punishing temperatures before the monsoon advances further into the country.