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4w ago

India Braces for Prolonged Severe Heatwave as IMD Flags 46–48°C Through May 19

Forecast highs near 48°C with warm nights raise severe heat-health risks.

Image
Men sit in front of an air cooler on a battery rickshaw on a hot summer day in the old quarters of Delhi on April 23, 2026.
People lie in the shade in New Delhi, on April 26, 2026.
Women protect themselves from the sun in Noida, India, on April 26, 2026.

Overview

  • India's weather office, which issued fresh alerts Wednesday, forecast a 4–6°C jump in maximums with many northwest and central areas reaching 46–48°C through May 19.
  • Rajasthan logged the season’s peak on Tuesday as Barmer hit 48.3°C, and officials issued red alerts for severe heat with nights staying unusually warm in several districts.
  • IMD Hyderabad issued red warnings from Friday for north Telangana districts, with temperatures expected to exceed 44°C and a declared Very High health risk for exposed people.
  • Following Wednesday evening’s thunderstorms in Delhi-NCR, wind gusts reached about 98–100 km/h, briefly cooled temperatures, and delayed or diverted multiple flights before heat is set to rebuild.
  • The early surge follows April 27 data showing the world’s 50 hottest cities were all in India, and IMD has cautioned that an emerging El Niño could weaken the 2026 monsoon and strain water and farming.