For much of Northwest, Central, and South-Central India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued active heatwave to severe heat wave warnings. In these zones, the highest temperatures are often between 40°C and 45°C, with a few isolated stations reaching 46°C.
Parts of West Rajasthan and severe zones of North India, where temperatures are rising beyond 46°C, are under a Red Alert (Extreme Severity), while an Orange Alert has been issued for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Telangana (valid till May 20, with maximum of up to 45°C).
As per IMD's bulletin, heat wave conditions prevailed over a few pockets in Vidarbha and isolated places in West Madhya Pradesh. Maximum/day temperatures (as on 17th May 2026) were in the range of 40-45°C at most parts of Central India & adjoining north Peninsular India, at many parts of Gujarat states, Rajasthan & adjoining Haryana; 32-40°C over the rest parts of the country except parts of Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Northeast India, South Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The highest maximum temperature of 46.4°C was reported at Banda (Uttar Pradesh).
The IMD has predicted a gradual rise in the maximum temperature in the coming days.
A gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 2–3°C is likely over many parts of Northwest India from May 18 to May 24, and by 3–4°C over Chhattisgarh till May 21. No significant change in maximum temperatures is likely over Maharashtra and Gujarat, till May 18, followed by a gradual decrease of maximum temperatures by 2–3°C between May 19th and May 24th. No significant change in maximum temperatures is likely over the rest of the country till 24th May.
In the northwestern region of India, IMD has predicted hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets from May 18 to May 24 in places like Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, & Delhi.
West Rajasthan may also witness heat wave conditions in isolated pockets from May 18 to May 24, while warm night conditions may also be witnessed in isolated pockets from May 18 to May 21.
For East Rajasthan, the IMD has issued a similar alert for heat wave conditions in isolated pockets from May 18 to May 24, while there will be warm night conditions in isolated pockets from May 18 to May 20.
For Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, a forecast of heat wave-like conditions in isolated pockets on May 18 and 19 has been issued.
Heat wave conditions in a few pockets of West UP on May 18, while heat wave to severe heat wave conditions from May 19 to May 24 are expected.
East Uttar Pradesh too will be experiencing heat wave conditions on May 18, while there will be heat wave to severe heat wave conditions from May 19 to May 24 in this region.
The IMD has issued a caution that although the general public can tolerate the heat, vulnerable populations like infants, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses face moderate to high health risks (including dehydration and heatstroke) and asked people to avoid the outdoors between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, when the temperature is at its highest.
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