A punishing spell of heat has tightened its grip across the country, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that conditions are likely to intensify over the coming days. Central India is expected to face heatwave to severe heatwave conditions for the next six days. Similar conditions are forecast over east adjoining peninsular regions till May 26, while northwest India is likely to see persistent heatwave conditions between May 24 and May 29.
The IMD has placed parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra under red alert for May 24, indicating severe heatwave conditions. Several other regions, including Delhi, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Assam, Telangana, parts of Karnataka, West Bengal and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, are on orange alert.
⚠️ Heatwave Warning ️
Scorching days ahead as heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are expected to continue across Central India for the next 7 days, spread over East & adjoining Peninsular India till 26th May, and intensify over Northwest India from 24th–29th May.
Limit… pic.twitter.com/rbi04LtDeh
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 23, 2026
Region-wise heatwave outlook
According to the forecast, heatwave conditions will continue in multiple pockets across the country. Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha are likely to experience sustained heat till May 29, with severe conditions expected in the eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha.
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Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi are expected to face heatwave conditions from May 24 to 29, with more intense spells likely between May 24 and 27. Rajasthan will continue to remain under heat stress till May 29, with western parts particularly vulnerable.
Other affected regions include Telangana till May 26, parts of Jharkhand till May 25, Bihar on May 24, and interior Odisha and Chhattisgarh till May 27. Hot and humid conditions are also expected over Gangetic West Bengal, coastal Odisha and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Delhi braces for further rise in temperature
In the national capital, the Ayanagar station recorded a maximum temperature of 42.7C on Saturday. The IMD has warned of a further rise, with maximum temperatures expected to reach between 43C and 45C over the next few days. Minimum temperatures are also likely to climb to between 27C and 29C. Heatwave conditions in Delhi are expected to persist from May 24 to May 28.
— RWFC New Delhi (@RWFC_ND) May 23, 2026
Health advisory and precautions
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions amid the extreme weather. People are advised to limit outdoor activity, especially between noon and 4 PM, and stay well hydrated. Wearing light, loose cotton clothing and using sun protection such as caps or umbrellas can help reduce exposure.
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The IMD also cautioned against consuming alcohol, caffeinated or sugary drinks during this period. Special care is recommended for children, the elderly and pets. Immediate medical attention is advised if symptoms such as dizziness, headaches or signs of heatstroke appear.
Impact on agriculture and monsoon update
The weather department has also flagged risks for agriculture due to rising temperatures. “When heat crosses optimum levels, crops struggle to maintain their natural processes, leading to reduced productivity.” Farmers have been advised to ensure proper irrigation, use mulching techniques and closely monitor crops for signs of stress.
Meanwhile, the IMD noted progress in the southwest monsoon, which has advanced into parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Kerala, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu and parts of northeast and east India over the next few days.
