The ongoing Severe India heatwave alert has raised serious concern as 97 of the world’s 100 hottest cities were recorded in India on Friday afternoon. The Severe India heatwave alert highlights how northern, central, and eastern parts of the country are experiencing dangerously high temperatures, with mercury levels crossing 45°C in several regions.
According to AQI.in data at around 2:50 pm IST, the Severe heatwave alert list showed India completely dominating global heat rankings, with only three cities from Nepal appearing in the top 100. The rest were Indian cities experiencing extreme heat conditions.
Severe India Heatwave Alert: Balangir Tops With 48°C as Heat Intensifies Across North India
Under the Severe India heatwave alert, Balangir in Odisha emerged as the hottest location, recording a scorching 48°C. Balangir was followed closely by Sasaram in Bihar and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, both experiencing severe heat stress conditions.
Sasaram and Varanasi also featured among the worst-hit cities in the Severe heatwave alert, with humidity levels dropping to as low as 6–8%, making conditions even more unbearable.
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Widespread Heat Across Multiple States
The Severe heatwave alert further revealed widespread impact across states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. Cities such as Muzaffarnagar, Ayodhya, Patiala, Warangal, and Haridwar recorded temperatures around 46°C.
Other cities including Agra, Gwalior, Chandigarh, and Bharatpur also remained under extreme heat conditions, reinforcing the severity of the Severe India heatwave alert across large parts of the country.
Health Emergency Situation Intensifies
The Severe heatwave alert has also triggered a growing health crisis, with more than 300 suspected heat-related illness cases reported in Andhra Pradesh between March and mid-May.
Hospitals are witnessing increased cases of dehydration, diarrhoea, and heatstroke as the Severe India heatwave alert continues to impact vulnerable populations, especially outdoor workers and elderly citizens.
IMD Issues Heatwave Warning
The India Meteorological Department has warned that the Severe India heatwave alert conditions will continue across Delhi and northern India, with “heatwave to severe heatwave” conditions expected between May 22 and May 27.
With temperatures crossing extreme thresholds, the Severe India heatwave alert situation underscores the urgent need for public safety measures, hydration awareness, and reduced outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours.