The India Meteorological Department issued red and orange alerts across multiple states as a severe heatwave pushed temperatures to dangerous levels this week.

The extreme weather poses significant health risks to millions of citizens. Officials said residents should stay indoors to avoid heat-related illnesses as the atmospheric conditions prevent cooling.

According to the IMD, the heatwave is affecting North India, the Delhi-NCR region, Telangana, and Jharkhand [1, 2, 3, 4]. A severe atmospheric heat dome is currently trapping scorching air over these regions, which has pushed temperatures above historic records [1, 2, 5].

Temperature readings have varied by region, with some reports indicating a general trend of temperatures crossing 45°C [1, 2]. However, other data shows temperatures soaring past 48°C in certain areas [5]. Specifically, the city of Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded a temperature of 48.2°C [3].

The red and orange alerts signify the highest levels of urgency, prompting local governments to implement emergency heat protocols [1, 2, 5]. In Telangana, the heatwave has already been linked to deaths, while Jharkhand remains under alert as health concerns rise [4].

Public health officials continue to monitor the situation as the heat dome persists. The IMD said citizens should prioritize hydration, and limit outdoor activity during peak sunlight hours to mitigate the impact of the extreme heat [1, 5].

“Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded a temperature of 48.2°C”

The occurrence of a heat dome indicates a stagnant high-pressure system that compresses and warms air, making it difficult for traditional weather patterns to break the cycle. This suggests that the region may face prolonged periods of extreme heat, increasing the strain on power grids due to cooling demands and elevating the risk of heatstroke and dehydration across densely populated urban centers.