97 of world’s 100 hottest cities in India as heatwave pushes temperatures beyond 45°C

A severe heatwave tightened its grip across large parts of India on Friday, with 97 of the world’s 100 hottest cities located in the country as temperatures crossed 45 degrees Celsius in several regions. According to AQI.in data recorded around 2:50 pm IST, Balangir in Odisha emerged as the hottest location globally at 48°C, followed by Sasaram in Bihar at 48°C and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh at 47°C. Humidity levels in several cities remained between 6 and 8 per cent, creating extreme heat conditions across northern, central and eastern India.

The global top-100 hottest cities list was overwhelmingly dominated by Indian locations, while only three cities from Nepal appeared in the ranking. Dhangadhi was placed 23rd, Nepalgunj ranked 34th and Lumbini Sanskritik stood at 76th, with temperatures ranging between 45°C and 46°C. Other Indian cities in the list included Muzaffarnagar and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, Patiala in Punjab, Warangal in Telangana, Haridwar in Uttarakhand, Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, Dhanbad in Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Agra and Bharatpur.

The India Meteorological Department forecast “heatwave to severe heatwave conditions” across Delhi and several northern states between May 22 and May 27. According to IMD criteria, a heatwave is declared when maximum temperatures reach at least 40°C in plains and remain 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal, or when temperatures touch 45°C. Reports also noted that Banda in Uttar Pradesh had earlier recorded 48°C, the highest maximum temperature in the country so far this year.

The impact of the heatwave has also been reflected in public health conditions across several states. Andhra Pradesh reported 325 suspected heatstroke cases between March 1 and May 19, with nearly one-third of the cases recorded since the beginning of May. Health authorities warned that heatstroke can trigger dizziness, confusion, nausea, seizures, unconsciousness and organ failure if treatment is delayed. State officials advised residents to avoid outdoor exposure between 11 am and 4 pm due to peak daytime temperatures.

Hospitals in multiple states have reportedly witnessed increased numbers of patients suffering from dehydration and diarrhoea amid the prolonged heat conditions. Water shortages were also reported in parts of Gujarat as temperatures remained elevated across western India. Authorities in several states continued issuing advisories urging residents to remain hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours and limit outdoor activity as the heatwave intensified across the country.