Large parts of India are baking under one of the harshest heat spells in recent memory, with the India Meteorological Department issuing colour-coded warnings across more than ten states — and little relief
in sight for most cities before the month’s end.
Where The Warnings Stand Today
States currently under IMD heatwave warning include Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Telangana. IMD’s special bulletin from May 18 warns that heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely to prevail over the plains of northwest and central India through the week.
Punjab And Haryana: Orange alert, 47°C
Faridkot sizzled at 47.3°C on Tuesday, while Rohtak recorded 46.9°C. Delhi hit 45.1°C — nearly five degrees above normal — and Chandigarh touched 43.2°C. In Haryana, Sirsa saw 46.4°C, followed by Faridabad at 46°C and Hisar at 45.3°C.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for four days starting Wednesday, with the mercury expected to soar to 47°C in the worst-affected pockets and heatwave conditions likely continuing until May 25.
Vidarbha And Maharashtra: Orange Alert
Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region is among the country’s hottest zones, with Amravati recording 46.8°C — the region’s highest for the day.
Wardha followed at 46.5°C and Akola at 46°C. Nagpur clocked 45.5°C, with several other cities between 43°C and 45°C.
IMD scientist Dr Praveen Kumar from the Nagpur centre noted that Vidarbha has been facing intense heat for seven to eight days with no immediate relief in sight.
Telangana And Hyderabad: Orange Alert Through Today
The IMD issued an orange alert for Telangana running through May 20, with all districts expected to see maximum temperatures between 41°C and 44°C. Dry weather dominates, and no rainfall is forecast in the near term.
Telangana And Hyderabad: Orange Alert Through Today
The IMD issued an orange alert for Telangana running through May 20, with all districts expected to see maximum temperatures between 41°C and 44°C. Dry weather dominates, and no rainfall is forecast in the near term.
What The Colour Codes Mean
IMD’s colour-coded warnings — issued jointly with NDMA — grade risk as: Green (no action needed), Yellow (stay updated), Orange (be prepared), and Red (take immediate action).
No red alert has been publicly confirmed for today, but orange alerts across multiple states signal serious, imminent health risk.
Who Is Most At Risk
IMD’s Chandigarh director Surender Paul has warned of heat illness symptoms for people exposed to the sun for prolonged periods, with high health concern for vulnerable groups including infants and the elderly. Outdoor labourers, the urban poor, and children are among India’s most exposed populations during extreme heat events.
IMD advises staying indoors between noon and 3 pm, staying hydrated, and seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms of dizziness, fainting, or severe dehydration.
