India tops global heat chart with highest number of hottest cities

India is currently witnessing an intense spell of heat, with a large share of the world’s hottest cities recorded within the country, according to real-time global temperature rankings.

Data for the day showed multiple Indian cities dominating the global list, reflecting the scale and spread of the ongoing heatwave.

Temperatures in several regions crossed 40°C, with some locations inching closer to the mid-40s, indicating severe conditions.

The extreme heat has affected not just major metros but also smaller towns across central and northern India. States such as Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have reported particularly high temperatures, with several cities from these regions featuring among the hottest globally.

Weather experts attribute the surge to persistent dry conditions, absence of cloud cover and limited pre-monsoon activity. These factors have allowed daytime temperatures to rise sharply, while nights have remained unusually warm, offering little relief.

The India Meteorological Department has issued heatwave warnings for multiple states, cautioning that the current conditions may continue over the coming days. Authorities have advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to heat, especially during peak afternoon hours.

The widespread nature of the heatwave has raised concerns about its impact on public health, water availability and power demand. Outdoor workers and vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, are considered to be at higher risk.

While some parts of eastern and northeastern India could see brief relief due to thunderstorms, a sustained drop in temperatures is unlikely until stronger pre-monsoon systems develop.

For now, India remains at the centre of a global surge in temperatures, highlighting the growing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events.