India recorded 97 of the world’s 100 hottest cities on Thursday as an intense heatwave swept across northern, central and eastern parts of the country.
According to temperature monitoring data, Balangir in Odisha registered a scorching 48°C, while Sasaram in Bihar also touched 48°C. Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh recorded 47°C, placing all three among the hottest locations globally.
Heatwave Conditions Intensify
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue across large parts of the country until May 27.
The affected regions include several states in northern, central and eastern India, where daytime temperatures have remained significantly above seasonal averages for days.
A heatwave in India is officially declared by the IMD when temperatures exceed specified thresholds and remain abnormally high over consecutive days. The agency categorizes alerts as heatwave, severe heatwave and extreme heat conditions.
Health Risks Rise
Authorities warned that the combination of extreme temperatures and low humidity is increasing health risks across affected regions.
Humidity levels in several cities ranged between 6% and 8% on May 22, worsening dehydration and heat stress conditions.
In Andhra Pradesh alone, officials reported 325 suspected heatstroke cases between March 1 and May 19. Hospitals in multiple states have also seen a rise in dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.
Indian Cities Dominate Global Rankings
Air quality and weather monitoring platform AQI.in ranked Balangir as the hottest city in the world on May 22. Sasaram, Varanasi and dozens of other Indian cities also featured in the global top 100 hottest cities list.
Only three cities outside India, including Dhangadhi, Nepalgunj and Lumbini Sanskritik in Nepal, appeared in the top 100 rankings.
Earlier in the day, all 50 of the world’s hottest cities were reported to be in India.
Key Background
- The India Meteorological Department is India’s national weather forecasting agency.
- Heatwave conditions are most common during the pre-monsoon months from April to June.
- States such as Odisha, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh frequently experience extreme summer temperatures.
- Heatstroke is considered a medical emergency caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat and dehydration.