Severe heatwave pushes mercury in India to 47.6°C

Scorching heat pushed temperatures across several states on Monday, with Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district and Maharashtra’s Brahmapuri region emerging as the hottest places in the country at 47.6 degrees Celsius each, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared in the plains if the maximum temperature exceeds 45 degrees, while temperatures above 47 degrees are categorised as a severe heatwave.

At least 6 places in Uttar Pradesh featured in the IMD’s list of locations recording maximum temperatures of over 45 degrees Celsius. Banda recorded the highest temperature at 47.6 degrees, around 4.1 notches above normal.

Jhansi’s maximum temperature was at 46 degrees Celsius, followed by Orai at 45.8 degrees, Agra at 45.5 degrees, Prayagraj at 45.4 degrees and Hamirpur at 45.2 degrees Celsius.

According to the IMD, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely at isolated places in eastern Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, while western parts of the state are also expected to witness heatwave conditions during daytime. Warm nights have also been forecast in both regions.

The Uttar Pradesh Government has already issued advisories asking people to avoid stepping outdoors between noon and 4 pm unless necessary, wear light and breathable clothes, and maintain hydration through seasonal fruits and fluids. For Maharashtra, the IMD has sent a heatwave alert for the Vidarbha region for two days, while an orange alert has been issued thereafter till May 28.

Brahmapuri again emerged as the hottest place in the country, recording 47.6 degrees Celsius, 5 notches above normal. Several other places in the region also recorded maximum temperatures above 46 degrees Celsius.

Nagpur registered 46.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Gadchiroli and Bhandara at 46.4 degrees each, Gondia at 46.1 degrees, Wardha, Jhansi at 46 degrees and Akola at 45.4 degrees.

In Rajasthan, severe heatwave conditions continued to grip large parts of the state, with Kota at 45.6 degrees Celsius remaining the hottest place in the state, according to the met department.

Temperatures in other cities also hovered around the 45-degree mark. Chittorgarh and Sriganganagar recorded maximum temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius each, while Pilani registered 44.5 degrees Celsius.

The mercury settled at 44.4 degrees Celsius in Alwar, 44.3 degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer and 44.2 degrees Celsius in Bikaner.

In Haryana, Sirsa recorded the highest temperature in the state at 46.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Rohtak at 45.2 degrees. 

In Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho emerged as the hottest place in the state at 47.2 degrees Celsius.

The national capital, Delhi, also saw its mercury hovering around 44 degrees, with Ridge station registering maximum temperature at 44.3 degrees Celsius.

“Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely to continue over central and northwest India during the next 4-5 days, and in the east & adjoining peninsular India during the next 3-4 days,” the IMD said.  “Reduction in maximum temperatures and abatement of heatwave conditions are likely from 29th May,” it added.