India's Heatwave Surge
- India now accounts for 19 of the world’s 20 hottest cities during the current heatwave. (deccanherald.com) - Temperatures topped 45°C in Medinipur, and several regions are seeing daytime maximums around 43–44°C. (deccanherald.com) - Officials issued heat advisories urging hydration, limited outdoor activity, and school precautions as health risks rise. ( )
India accounted for 19 of the world’s 20 hottest cities on April 22 as a heatwave spread across eastern, central, and northern parts of the country. (thequint.com) Medinipur in West Bengal crossed 45 degrees Celsius, while several other places were clustered around 43 to 44 degrees Celsius, according to reports citing temperature tracking data and India Meteorological Department warnings. (deccanherald.com) (news18.com) The India Meteorological Department said on April 23 that heatwave conditions were likely over the plains of northwest India, central India, and parts of east India over the next two to five days. (imd.gov.in 1) (imd.gov.in 2) The weather office had already warned in its April 20 seasonal update that northwest, central, and adjoining east India were likely to see heatwave conditions during the following four to five days. (imd.gov.in 1) (imd.gov.in 2) India’s weather agency defines a heatwave by local thresholds rather than one national number, because a dangerous day in a coastal city is not measured the same way as a dangerous day in the interior plains. Its public guidance tells people to avoid direct sun, drink enough water, wear light clothing, and watch for symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and headache. (imd.gov.in) Officials and local administrations have also pushed school precautions and limits on outdoor exposure as daytime temperatures rise before the monsoon season begins. (deccanherald.com) (thequint.com) The broader backdrop was set earlier this month, when the India Meteorological Department forecast above-normal heatwave days and warmer nights across much of the country from April to June 2026. (thequint.com) (imd.gov.in) For now, the immediate forecast is more of the same: the India Meteorological Department’s April 23 bulletin says heatwave conditions are likely to continue across multiple regions through the coming days. (imd.gov.in)
