India is witnessing an intense spell of heat as temperatures surge across several states, placing the country at the center of a global heatwave. According to temperature data released by AQI.in on April 21, an astonishing 19 out of the world’s 20 hottest locations were recorded in India. The figures highlight how rapidly the heat has intensified across many parts of the country during the pre-monsoon season.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already warned that the heatwave is likely to continue from April 22 to April 24. Weather officials say maximum temperatures in several regions could reach around 43°C or even higher in the coming days. As a result, authorities have advised people to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours.
The extreme heat has been most noticeable in eastern parts of the country. Cities such as Bhagalpur in Bihar, Talcher in Odisha, and Asansol in West Bengal recorded temperatures of about 44°C, making them some of the hottest places on the planet at the moment. Several other cities also crossed the 43°C mark, including Begusarai, Motihari, Munger, Bhojpur and Siwan. Most of these cities fall within the eastern belt of India, which is currently experiencing intense dry heat and strong sunlight.
Interestingly, only one location outside India appeared in the list of the world’s 20 hottest cities. Lumbini in Nepal was the only non-Indian entry, underlining how concentrated the heat surge is within India at present.
Meteorologists say this extreme heat is the result of multiple factors working together. April is already a peak pre-monsoon heat period when solar radiation becomes stronger. Clear skies across much of northern and eastern India are allowing uninterrupted sunlight to heat the land surface. At the same time, reduced winter snow cover across parts of Eurasia and the Himalayan region has limited the natural reflection of heat back into the atmosphere.
Another factor influencing the weather pattern is changing ocean conditions. Slight warming in the Pacific Ocean along with neutral ENSO conditions is affecting atmospheric circulation. In addition, dry northwesterly winds are sweeping across northern India, preventing cloud formation and reducing chances of rainfall that could otherwise cool the region.
The heatwave is also being felt strongly in Uttar Pradesh, where several districts recorded extremely high temperatures. Banda registered the highest temperature at 44.2°C, making it one of the hottest locations in the state. Sultanpur recorded 43.4°C while Prayagraj saw temperatures touch 43.2°C. Jhansi and Hardoi also experienced temperatures around 42.5°C. Even Lucknow, the state capital, recorded a maximum temperature of 40.2°C, slightly above normal levels for this time of year.
Weather officials say dry weather conditions are likely to persist in the state, making the heat feel even more intense. Clear skies and low humidity levels are expected to continue, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Although Delhi has not officially entered heatwave conditions yet this season, the national capital is gradually warming up. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 38.8°C, which is slightly above the seasonal average. In response to rising temperatures, the Delhi government has introduced precautionary measures in schools.
Authorities have directed schools to introduce a “water bell” system where a bell will ring every 45 to 60 minutes to remind students to drink water. The idea is to ensure children stay hydrated during school hours. Schools have also been asked to introduce a buddy system so that students can monitor each other’s health and quickly report signs of heat exhaustion. Outdoor assemblies have been shortened or shifted indoors to protect students from direct sunlight.
Meanwhile, the heat has spread across neighbouring states including Haryana and Punjab. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a maximum temperature of 42.5°C, while Gurugram reached 41°C. Rohtak recorded 40.3°C and Sirsa touched 41°C. Several cities in Punjab also reported above-normal temperatures. Bathinda and Faridkot both recorded maximum temperatures of 41.6°C. Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, experienced a maximum temperature of around 38°C.
Rajasthan is also witnessing rising temperatures across many districts. Kota recorded the highest temperature in the state at around 42°C. Other major cities including Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner also saw temperatures above normal levels. Weather officials have warned that heatwave conditions could develop in parts of Rajasthan from April 23 onwards. Districts such as Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jhunjhunu, Bharatpur and Dholpur have been placed under heatwave alert.
Interestingly, while northern and eastern India are battling scorching heat, parts of southern and northeastern India are experiencing a completely different weather pattern. These regions are seeing thunderstorms, moisture-laden winds and scattered rainfall, offering some relief from the rising temperatures.
Experts believe the current situation reflects a broader trend of increasing climate variability. Heatwaves in India appear to be becoming more frequent, more intense and longer in duration. With the majority of the world’s hottest cities now concentrated in India, scientists say the country could see more such extreme events in the future.
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As April progresses, meteorologists expect the hot conditions to continue across large parts of the country. Significant relief is likely only when pre-monsoon showers begin in the coming weeks. Until then, authorities are urging people to stay cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during peak heat hours and drink plenty of water to stay safe during the ongoing heatwave.