Between March 1 and June 18, at least 110 people died from heat-related illnesses, the ministry told the Associated Press.

More than 40,000 people have shown possible symptoms of heatstroke during the same period, highlighting the scale of the crisis. Authorities, however, have not issued any official comments. 

The northern state of Uttar Pradesh has been hit the hardest, with 36 reported deaths, followed by Rajasthan, Bihar, and Odisha. On Tuesday alone, officials confirmed 457 new suspected cases of heatstroke, underscoring how relentless and dangerous the heatwave has been. 

New Delhi, the capital, has also faced extreme conditions. Earlier this week, the city recorded its hottest night in over 50 years, with temperatures in some areas soaring to 51°C (123.8°F). The brutal heat has pushed electricity demand to record highs, triggered rolling blackouts, and worsened an ongoing water crisis affecting millions.

Short spells of rain and wind have provided temporary relief, but the national weather service has warned the heat could return. 

In several northern cities, schools have been forced to close and outdoor activities suspended. Health Minister J.P. Nadda has ordered government hospitals to set up special heatwave wards to care for those falling ill. 

India: a strange weather season

April, May, and June are typically India’s hottest months, just before the monsoon rains bring cooler temperatures. But in the past decade, heatwaves have grown more intense and longer-lasting, often accompanied by severe water shortages.

The country’s weather agency says this year’s heatwave, now stretching past three weeks, could be one of the longest ever recorded. 

With a population of 1.4 billion, India is the world’s most populous nation and one of the most vulnerable to climate change. A recent report from the Center for Science and Environment found that in 2023, nearly 90% of the year saw some form of extreme weather event. 

India now faces a dual challenge: adapting to increasingly hostile climate conditions while also reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to limit further warming.