97 Out Of 100 Hottest Cities Are Burning In India; Check The Temperatures

A severe heatwave has tightened its grip across large parts of India, pushing temperatures to dangerous levels and turning the country into the global hotspot for extreme weather.

According to temperature data released on Friday, almost all of the world's hottest cities were located in India, with several regions recording temperatures close to 48 degrees Celsius even before afternoon hours.

The intense heat has already started affecting public health, water supply and daily life in many states.

India Dominates Global Hottest Cities List

Data published by AQI.in showed that all of the world's top 50 hottest cities on Friday morning were in India. Out of the top 100 hottest cities globally, 97 were from India, highlighting the scale of the ongoing heatwave across north, central and eastern India.

The hottest city was Balangir, where the temperature touched 48°C. It was followed by Sasaram at 48°C and Varanasi at 47°C.

Humidity levels in many places remained extremely low, between 6 and 8 percent, creating dry and dangerous weather conditions that experts classified as "extreme hot."

Several Indian Cities Record Temperatures Above 45°C

Many other cities across the country also witnessed severe temperatures.
Muzaffarnagar and Ayodhya recorded around 46°C, while Patiala, Warangal and Haridwar also touched 46°C.

Temperatures in Sri Ganganagar, Gwalior, Dhanbad and Chandigarh stayed around 45°C.
Meanwhile, Agra, Bharatpur and Singrauli recorded temperatures close to 44°C.

The only non-Indian cities in the global top-100 list were three cities from Nepal - Dhangadhi, Nepalgunj and Lumbini Sanskritik - where temperatures ranged between 45°C and 46°C.

Heatwave Begins Affecting Public Health

The rising temperatures are now causing health problems in several states.
According to reports, more than 300 suspected heat-related illness cases have been reported in Andhra Pradesh between March and mid-May.

The state health department recorded 325 suspected heatstroke cases between March 1 and May 19. Nearly one-third of these cases were reported after the beginning of May, showing how rapidly the situation has worsened.

Heatstroke occurs when the body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Medical experts warn that it can lead to dizziness, confusion, dehydration, unconsciousness, seizures and even organ failure if treatment is delayed.

Hospitals See Rise In Patients

Hospitals in many parts of the country are witnessing a growing number of patients suffering from dehydration, diarrhoea and heat exhaustion.

The extreme weather has also increased pressure on water supply systems. Reports from Gujarat showed long queues for water as several areas struggle with shortages during the intense summer conditions.

Authorities in multiple states have advised people to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours, especially between 11 am and 4 pm.

IMD Issues Severe Heatwave Warning

The India Meteorological Department has warned that "heatwave to severe heatwave conditions" are likely to continue across Delhi and large parts of northern India from May 22 to May 27.

According to the IMD, a heatwave is officially declared when temperatures in plains reach at least 40°C and remain significantly above normal levels. Temperatures crossing 45°C are considered especially dangerous.

Earlier this week, Banda reportedly recorded the highest temperature of the season at 48°C.

Experts Advise Safety Measures

Doctors and weather experts are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight and wear light cotton clothes during the ongoing heatwave.

Children, elderly people and those with medical conditions are considered most vulnerable during extreme temperatures. Officials have also advised workers involved in outdoor activities to take regular breaks and avoid working during peak heat hours.

With temperatures expected to remain extremely high over the next few days, authorities are preparing for further pressure on hospitals, electricity demand and water supply systems across the country.