India at epicentre of global heatwave as 98 cities top world heat list

With temperatures soaring to dangerous levels across the country, India is witnessing severe heatwave conditions, with 98 of the world’s 100 hottest cities currently located in the country, raising concerns over the impact of rising temperatures.

According to data from AQI.in, India is experiencing record-breaking heat, placing it at the epicentre of a global heatwave.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Akola recorded 46.9 degree Celsius, followed by Amravati 46.8 degree Celsius, Banda 46.6 degree Celsius, Barmer 46.4 degree Celsius, Jaisalmer 46 degree Celsius and Prayagraj 45.7 degree Celsius on Sunday.

Temperatures in many regions have surpassed 40°C, with some locations nearing 45°C, pointing to a trend of increasingly intense heatwaves. Cities recording temperatures well above normal include Orai and Auraiya in Uttar Pradesh, and Jaisalmer and Phalodi in Rajasthan, among others.

According to the latest weather update, heat wave to severe heat wave conditions were observed at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, while several parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh also experienced heat wave conditions.

India’s peak power demand hit an all-time high of 256.11 GW on Saturday due to an intensifying heat wave, which increased the use of cooling devices such as air conditioners and desert coolers, according to the latest power ministry data.

The peak power demand on Saturday eclipsed the previous record of 252.07 GW, hit just a day earlier on Friday, April 24, at 15:48 hrs.

In Uttar Pradesh, Banda was the hottest place in the State, where mercury touched 46.6 degrees Celsius (4.4 degrees above normal), followed by Prayagraj, which recorded a high of 45.7 degrees Celsius (4.8 degrees above normal).

Other places in the State where the mercury breached the 44-degree mark are: Fursatganj (in Amethi district) — 44.7 degrees Celsius, Hamirpur — 44.2 degrees Celsius and Kanpur — 44.1 degrees Celsius. Jhansi and Varanasi recorded a high of 44 degrees Celsius each.

The MeT department has also warned of warm night conditions in several districts, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh, including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Aligarh and Agra, among others.

Meanwhile, Lucknow recorded a maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius (3.5 degrees above normal) and a minimum of 26.8 degrees Celsius (3.7 degrees above normal), the meteorological department said on Sunday. From April 28 onwards, a change in weather is expected under the influence of a western disturbance, bringing thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 30-40 kmph at isolated places across the State. The wind speed may increase to 40-50 kmph on April 29, officials said.

Sizzling heat continued to sweep through Haryana and Punjab on Sunday, with Narnaul and Faridkot turning out to be the hottest places in both States. Most places in the two States recorded above-normal maximum temperatures.

In Haryana’s Narnaul, the mercury settled at 44.2 degrees Celsius, according to the MeT here. Among other places in Haryana, Rohtak recorded a high of 43.6 degrees Celsius, Hisar 42.2 degrees, Karnal 42.2 degrees, Ambala 41.6 degrees, Bhiwani 43 degrees, Sirsa 43 degrees, while Gurugram’s maximum settled at 40.3 degrees Celsius.

In Punjab, Bathinda sizzled, recording a day temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius. Amritsar recorded a high of 39.3 degrees Celsius, Ludhiana 42.4 degrees, while Patiala’s maximum also settled at 42.4 degrees Celsius.

Besides, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, several southern States also witnessed heat wave conditions where temperatures soared to over 40 degree Celsius on Sunday.

Amid the rising temperatures, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued advisories urging people to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to serious health risks, including heatstroke, while also contributing to higher electricity consumption and potential water shortages. The ongoing heatwave has also renewed concerns over climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

Additionally, hot and humid weather is expected in coastal and eastern regions, while warm nighttime conditions are likely in parts of north India, further increasing discomfort and health risks.

In its extended outlook, the IMD stated that heatwave-like conditions will persist across multiple regions for the next seven days. This includes areas in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and UP in the Northwest, as well as MP, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and Kerala & Mahe in the South.