Overview
- The IMD has issued heatwave to severe heatwave warnings across large parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Vidarbha, with Banda recorded as the country's hottest spot at about 47.4–47.6°C.
- State governments have activated heat action plans, placed dozens of districts on alert and put hospitals and cooling centres on high readiness to protect children, the elderly and outdoor workers.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to stay hydrated, check on elderly relatives and offer water to people, birds and animals while warning about signs of heat exhaustion.
- Forecasters expect short-term relief from May 29 as a western disturbance brings thunderstorms, squally winds and a 6–8°C drop in maximum temperatures for many affected areas.
- Experts and UN officials link the extreme Nautapa heat to worsening climate change, note rising peak electricity demand in recent days, and say renewables helped meet daytime power loads even as a developing El Niño clouds the monsoon outlook.