North India burns under heatwave, UP's Banda hottest in the country at 48.2°C
With Banda touching a blistering 48.2°C and red alerts issued across north India, hospitals are filling up, schools are shutting and authorities fear the worst may still lie ahead.
North India remained in the grip of a punishing heatwave on Wednesday, with Uttar Pradesh’s Banda recording the country’s highest temperature at a blistering 48.2 degrees Celsius, as the India Meteorological Department warned that extreme conditions are likely to continue across large parts of the country over the coming days.
The IMD said severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist across northwest and central India for the rest of the week, while eastern India is likely to face intense heat stress for at least five more days.
Temperatures across several states hovered between 40 and 47 degrees Celsius, with many regions recording temperatures well above seasonal norms.
BANDA TURNS INTO ‘FURNACE’
Banda remained the hottest place in the country amid dry weather and strong hot winds sweeping through the Bundelkhand region.
The IMD issued a severe heatwave alert for several parts of Uttar Pradesh over the next week, with yellow alerts for the next three days followed by orange alerts warning of severe heatwave conditions and unusually warm nights.
Local authorities said Banda had repeatedly emerged as the hottest district in India over the past several days. Officials have now issued a red alert in the district.
Doctors in Banda said hospitals were witnessing a sharp rise in patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.
“Banda has reported extreme temperatures, 48.2°C yesterday and around 47°C today, with the city in the grip of severe heat,” said Dr Vineet Sachan, physician at the Trauma Centre in Banda.
“Hospitals are seeing a surge in patients, mainly with stomach pain, vomiting, fever, headaches and dizziness.”
According to officials, daily patient numbers have risen by 300 to 400 above normal levels, with nearly 200 to 300 people affected by heat-related illnesses every day.
Authorities advised people to avoid stepping out between 10 am and 3 pm and urged residents to drink plenty of water and avoid going outdoors on an empty stomach.
WHY IS BANDA SO HOT?
Experts linked the soaring temperatures in Banda to both geographical and environmental factors.
Dr Dinesh Shah from Banda Agricultural University said the district’s proximity to the Tropic of Cancer was one major reason behind the direct and intense solar radiation.
“There are no clouds, so the sun’s rays are falling directly on the ground without obstruction,” he said.
He also blamed large-scale cutting of trees, shrinking river water levels and mining activity for worsening conditions.
“The number of trees should ideally be around 22 to 23 per cent, but currently only 11 to 12 per cent remains,” he said.
He added that dry riverbeds and exposed sand were increasing heat reflection and “back radiation”, making conditions even harsher.
“Heat is coming from above as well as below,” he said.
District authorities said cooling centres and cold drinking water facilities had been set up across Banda, while hospitals and health centres were put on alert.
Schools in several areas have also been shut due to the extreme heat.
DELHI, PUNJAB, HARYANA UNDER RED ALERT
The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi for May 20–21 and again for May 24–26, warning of a “very high risk” of heat illness and heatstroke.
Delhi remained among the worst-hit regions, with temperatures touching between 45 and 47 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours.
The Ridge station recorded a maximum temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius, while Safdarjung — Delhi’s primary weather station — recorded 44.5 degrees Celsius.
Ayanagar, Palam and Lodhi Road also recorded temperatures close to 45 degrees.
The weather department said strong hot westerly winds would continue over the capital, with gusts likely to reach up to 35 kmph.
Even though temperatures may ease slightly on May 22 and 23, the mercury is still expected to remain between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius.
Punjab and Haryana also reeled under severe heatwave conditions.
Rohtak in Haryana recorded 46.9 degrees Celsius, while Bathinda in Punjab touched 46.6 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh recorded its season’s highest temperature at 44.4 degrees Celsius.
RAJASTHAN, HIMACHAL, TELANGANA ALSO SCORCHED
Rajasthan continued to battle intense heat, with Sriganganagar recording 46.5 degrees Celsius.
Several other cities including Pilani, Phalodi, Bikaner, Churu and Kota also recorded temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius.
In Himachal Pradesh, heatwave conditions extended into the plains, where temperatures touched 44 degrees Celsius. Shimla recorded 30.5 degrees Celsius during the day.
In Telangana, Ailapur in Jagtial district recorded 45.9 degrees Celsius, while several other places crossed the 40-degree mark.
HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED
Health authorities urged people to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and remain hydrated.
Residents have been advised to drink water regularly even if they do not feel thirsty and consume ORS, lemon water, lassi, buttermilk and rice water.
People stepping outdoors were advised to wear loose cotton clothing and use umbrellas, caps or cloth coverings to shield themselves from the heat.
The ongoing heatwave comes even as the Southwest Monsoon gradually advances across parts of southern India and the Northeast, where heavy rainfall and thundersquall warnings have also been issued.
North India remained in the grip of a punishing heatwave on Wednesday, with Uttar Pradesh’s Banda recording the country’s highest temperature at a blistering 48.2 degrees Celsius, as the India Meteorological Department warned that extreme conditions are likely to continue across large parts of the country over the coming days.
The IMD said severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist across northwest and central India for the rest of the week, while eastern India is likely to face intense heat stress for at least five more days.
Temperatures across several states hovered between 40 and 47 degrees Celsius, with many regions recording temperatures well above seasonal norms.
BANDA TURNS INTO ‘FURNACE’
Banda remained the hottest place in the country amid dry weather and strong hot winds sweeping through the Bundelkhand region.
The IMD issued a severe heatwave alert for several parts of Uttar Pradesh over the next week, with yellow alerts for the next three days followed by orange alerts warning of severe heatwave conditions and unusually warm nights.
Local authorities said Banda had repeatedly emerged as the hottest district in India over the past several days. Officials have now issued a red alert in the district.
Doctors in Banda said hospitals were witnessing a sharp rise in patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.
“Banda has reported extreme temperatures, 48.2°C yesterday and around 47°C today, with the city in the grip of severe heat,” said Dr Vineet Sachan, physician at the Trauma Centre in Banda.
“Hospitals are seeing a surge in patients, mainly with stomach pain, vomiting, fever, headaches and dizziness.”
According to officials, daily patient numbers have risen by 300 to 400 above normal levels, with nearly 200 to 300 people affected by heat-related illnesses every day.
Authorities advised people to avoid stepping out between 10 am and 3 pm and urged residents to drink plenty of water and avoid going outdoors on an empty stomach.
WHY IS BANDA SO HOT?
Experts linked the soaring temperatures in Banda to both geographical and environmental factors.
Dr Dinesh Shah from Banda Agricultural University said the district’s proximity to the Tropic of Cancer was one major reason behind the direct and intense solar radiation.
“There are no clouds, so the sun’s rays are falling directly on the ground without obstruction,” he said.
He also blamed large-scale cutting of trees, shrinking river water levels and mining activity for worsening conditions.
“The number of trees should ideally be around 22 to 23 per cent, but currently only 11 to 12 per cent remains,” he said.
He added that dry riverbeds and exposed sand were increasing heat reflection and “back radiation”, making conditions even harsher.
“Heat is coming from above as well as below,” he said.
District authorities said cooling centres and cold drinking water facilities had been set up across Banda, while hospitals and health centres were put on alert.
Schools in several areas have also been shut due to the extreme heat.
DELHI, PUNJAB, HARYANA UNDER RED ALERT
The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi for May 20–21 and again for May 24–26, warning of a “very high risk” of heat illness and heatstroke.
Delhi remained among the worst-hit regions, with temperatures touching between 45 and 47 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours.
The Ridge station recorded a maximum temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius, while Safdarjung — Delhi’s primary weather station — recorded 44.5 degrees Celsius.
Ayanagar, Palam and Lodhi Road also recorded temperatures close to 45 degrees.
The weather department said strong hot westerly winds would continue over the capital, with gusts likely to reach up to 35 kmph.
Even though temperatures may ease slightly on May 22 and 23, the mercury is still expected to remain between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius.
Punjab and Haryana also reeled under severe heatwave conditions.
Rohtak in Haryana recorded 46.9 degrees Celsius, while Bathinda in Punjab touched 46.6 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh recorded its season’s highest temperature at 44.4 degrees Celsius.
RAJASTHAN, HIMACHAL, TELANGANA ALSO SCORCHED
Rajasthan continued to battle intense heat, with Sriganganagar recording 46.5 degrees Celsius.
Several other cities including Pilani, Phalodi, Bikaner, Churu and Kota also recorded temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius.
In Himachal Pradesh, heatwave conditions extended into the plains, where temperatures touched 44 degrees Celsius. Shimla recorded 30.5 degrees Celsius during the day.
In Telangana, Ailapur in Jagtial district recorded 45.9 degrees Celsius, while several other places crossed the 40-degree mark.
HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED
Health authorities urged people to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and remain hydrated.
Residents have been advised to drink water regularly even if they do not feel thirsty and consume ORS, lemon water, lassi, buttermilk and rice water.
People stepping outdoors were advised to wear loose cotton clothing and use umbrellas, caps or cloth coverings to shield themselves from the heat.
The ongoing heatwave comes even as the Southwest Monsoon gradually advances across parts of southern India and the Northeast, where heavy rainfall and thundersquall warnings have also been issued.
