On the morning of May 22, 2026, all fifty of the hottest cities globally were identified within India, as a severe heatwave took hold across the northern, central, and eastern regions of the country. This situation resulted in temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius before noon, creating alarming conditions for a vast population. According to AQI.in, a prominent air quality and weather monitoring service, Balangir in Odisha was noted as the hottest city, hitting a scorching 45°C.

Chandrapur and Prayagraj followed closely with temperatures of 44°C, while numerous other cities from states such as Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Telangana, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh recorded similarly extreme figures. The data illustrated the extensive impact of the current heatwave, pinpointing a concerning trend in temperature spikes across the country.

These Indian cities were specifically mentioned among the world’s hottest during the ongoing heatwave:

• Balangir
• Chandrapur
• Prayagraj
• Varanasi
• Banda
• Bareilly
• Ayodhya
• Khajuraho
• Wardha
• Rohtak
• Nagpur
• Nowgong
• Sri Ganganagar
• Amravati
• Hamirpur
• Akola
• Brahmapuri
• Yavatmal
• Gondia

Reports said many more cities from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Telangana, Haryana, and Odisha also featured in the top 50.

Uttar Pradesh Experiences Severe Conditions

In Uttar Pradesh, more than half of the cities ranked among the hottest in the world, with Varanasi, Banda, Bareilly, and Ayodhya registering temperatures between 42°C and 43°C before midday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings indicating that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist throughout the week. Red and orange alerts have been activated in several states to ensure public awareness and safety.

The ongoing extreme weather conditions can be attributed to several factors, including dry northwesterly winds, unbroken clear skies, and delayed pre-monsoon relief impacting the Indo-Gangetic plains. Notably, Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region are also facing intense heat, with forecasts suggesting that temperatures may reach 45°C in the coming days.

Across the region, meteorologists have described the phenomenon as a vast “heat dome,” influencing a wide area from Odisha through Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, extending into Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Specific regions, particularly Vidarbha, have reported temperatures exceeding 46°C this week.

Health Impacts and Public Advisories

Health authorities across various states have noted a growing number of cases related to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke. These ailments are particularly affecting outdoor workers, children, and the elderly. In response to the severe weather, officials have urged residents to minimise direct sun exposure during peak hours, maintain hydration, and limit non-essential travel.

While Balangir’s position at the top of the global heat ranking is not entirely unusual due to its historical status as one of India’s hottest regions, the simultaneous occurrence of all fifty cities within one country highlights an alarming level of heat intensity and its widespread geographic impact. The Titlagarh-Balangir belt in Western Odisha has long been recognised for extreme heat conditions.

This year’s situation reflects the extraordinary nature of the ongoing heatwave across India. With every city listed experiencing extreme temperatures, it underscores the pressing challenges of climate and public health that the nation currently faces. The convergence of these intense heat events across such a broad area raises important questions about environmental resilience and preparedness going forward.

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