National
23 May, 2026
Scorching days, restless nights: Heatwave tightens grip across parts of India
Business To Business, New Delhi, 23rd May, 2026: Large parts of India continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions on Saturday, with temperatures crossing 44 degrees Celsius in several regions and authorities warning of worsening conditions in some states.
In Punjab, hospitals have reportedly activated dedicated heat stroke management units to deal with rising cases linked to extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department issued a heatwave alert for three districts of Jharkhand for Monday.
The prolonged heat has also severely affected animals and birds, especially in Delhi. Veterinarians and animal rescue groups reported:
- Pigeons collapsing mid-flight from exhaustion
- Dehydrated eagles being rescued from roadsides
- Stray animals suffering from heat-related illness and stomach toxicity
In Telangana, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said 16 people have died across seven districts due to heatwave conditions during the current summer season.
The situation reflects the increasing severity of extreme weather events across India, with prolonged heatwaves placing pressure on public health systems, animal welfare networks, and daily life. Authorities in several states have advised people to:
- Avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours
- Stay hydrated
- Use protective clothing and cooling measures
- Ensure water availability for animals and birds
Experts have repeatedly warned that climate variability and rising temperatures are making heatwaves more frequent, prolonged, and dangerous across South Asia.