A severe heatwave in Bihar has resulted in 18 heat-related deaths over the past 48 hours, including eight officials on election duty. The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that Rohtas district accounted for 11 deaths, Bhojpur for six, and Buxar for one. Temperatures soared above 44°C, with Buxar reaching a record 47.1°C. The state government has closed all educational institutions until June 8 to mitigate the impact. Multiple incidents of school teachers fainting have been reported across various districts. The last phase of Lok Sabha elections is set for Saturday in the affected constituencies.

At least 18 people, including eight election officials, have died from heat-related ailments in Bihar over 48 hours, authorities reported on Friday. The State Emergency Operation Centre confirmed 11 deaths in Rohtas district, six in Bhojpur, and one in Buxar. Among the deceased were officials on election duty, with five in Rohtas, two in Bhojpur, and one in Buxar. Bihar is experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures surpassing 44°C in several areas on Thursday. Buxar recorded the highest temperature at 47.1°C. These regions are part of eight parliamentary seats in Bihar set to vote on Saturday in the final phase of this year's general election.

The Rajasthan High Court has called on the Indian government to declare a national emergency due to the ongoing heatwave, which has claimed hundreds of lives. The court criticized authorities for failing to protect the public, saying "we don't have a planet B" and urgent action is needed to prevent further deaths. The court ordered the state government to set up a compensation fund for heatwave victims' families and recommended declaring heatwaves "national calamities" to mobilize emergency relief. Temperatures have soared above 45°C in several cities, with Rajasthan experiencing some of the hottest weather.

A severe heatwave continues to scorch central, eastern, and northern India, claiming at least 54 lives. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 45.6°C, 5.2 notches above normal. Bihar reported 32 deaths, followed by Odisha (10), Jharkhand (5), Rajasthan (5), and Uttar Pradesh (1). The India Meteorological Department predicts heatwave conditions to continue in several states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, with temperatures expected to soar above 45°C. Duststorms and light rainfall are also forecasted in some areas. The heatwave has already broken records, with Delhi recording a 79-year high of 46.8°C on Wednesday.

Delhi government petitions Supreme Court for additional water supply from neighboring states due to severe shortage amid scorching temperatures. The capital faces acute water scarcity, with long queues for tanker fills. Areas like Sanjay Camp and Geeta Colony hit hardest. Temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius exacerbate the crisis. The AAP-led government imposes ₹2,000 fines for water wastage and deploys 200 teams to enforce penalties. Weather office warns of prolonged heatwave, urging hydration and caution. Delhi stresses collective responsibility in meeting the capital's essential needs.

A devastating heatwave in Odisha's Rourkela city has claimed the lives of 10 people, with temperatures soaring to extreme highs. The deaths occurred within a span of six hours, with most victims arriving at the hospital already deceased. Body temperatures were recorded at a scorching 103-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Heatwave conditions persist across Odisha, particularly in the western region, with 12 places recording temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius. The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed. The incident highlights the severe impact of the ongoing heatwave.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared the official onset of the southwest monsoon in Kerala today, ahead of its usual June 1 schedule. Strong westerly winds and a shear zone are set to bring heavy rains (64.5 mm-115.4 mm) over Kerala and Mahe for the next five days. An orange alert has been issued, urging locals to prepare for intense weather, followed by a yellow alert. Heavy rains are also forecasted for Tamil Nadu and South Interior Karnataka from June 1 to 3. Fisherfolk are advised to avoid the sea due to rough conditions. Residents should follow advisories and take precautions.              

Mungeshpur, a village on Delhi’s northwestern fringe, hit a record-breaking 52.3°C on Wednesday, making it India’s hottest place. Streets were deserted, shops shuttered, and residents stayed indoors to escape the searing heat. Local farmer Ashok Kumar reported struggling to keep livestock cool, while 74-year-old Om Prakash recalled milder summers of his youth. Water shortages exacerbate the crisis, with villagers relying on costly private tankers. The India Meteorological Department's station at the village school recorded the historic temperature, highlighting the urgent need for governmental intervention.

Sixteen people died from heat-related causes in just two hours at a district hospital in Aurangabad, Bihar, where temperatures soared to 44°C. The city recorded a state-high of 48.2°C the previous day. The hospital, treating 35 more heat-affected patients, has sufficient medical supplies and cooling arrangements, according to officials. Bihar's government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions until June 8 due to the intense heat, which has caused multiple students to faint. Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the government's inadequate response to the crisis.

India is grappling with severe heatwaves, with temperatures soaring over 45°C in several cities. Megacities like New Delhi, home to over 30 million people, are worst hit. Power usage has surged to record highs, and a laborer has died from heatstroke. Experts warn that urbanization and climate change are making cities more vulnerable to heatwaves, which are becoming longer, more frequent, and intense. Cities are not cooling down at night as much as they used to, adding to the crisis. The heatwave poses a significant threat to public health, and urgent measures are needed to mitigate its impact.