A major forest fire broke out in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district on Tuesday as extreme heat and dry weather conditions intensified across the region. The blaze in Kandaghat’s Kyarighat area destroyed several wooden shops and filled nearby hills with thick smoke, though no casualties were reported. Firefighters managed to contain the flames before they spread to nearby homes. Officials suspect an electrical short circuit triggered the fire. Authorities said rising temperatures, dry chir pine needles and prolonged dry spells linked to climate change are increasing forest fire risks across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand this summer. 

Western Europe is facing an intense heatwave. The UK and France recorded their hottest May temperatures on record. London reached 34.8°C, while many parts of France crossed 30°C. The extreme heat has caused health warnings across Europe. In France, seven people died in incidents linked to the heatwave, including drownings and heat stroke cases. Germany, Spain, and Italy are also facing very high temperatures. Experts say a heat dome from northern Africa caused the unusual weather. Scientists warn that climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and severe across Europe.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for parts of Himachal Pradesh for the next two days. Districts like Una, Kangra and Shimla may see temperatures rise by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius. Una recorded the highest temperature at 41.6 degrees Celsius. From May 28, a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to bring rain, snowfall, thunderstorms and hailstorms across the state. Strong winds may also hit high-altitude areas. The weather department advised people to stay hydrated and avoid heat exposure. Farmers were asked to protect crops from hail and strong winds. (PC: PTI)

Delhi is set to endure another spell of intense heat after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the next three days. The weather department has forecast heatwave conditions, strong surface winds and temperatures around 44°C, with severe heatwave conditions likely in some areas between May 25 and May 27. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 43.6°C on Sunday, while Ridge and Ayanagar touched 44.6°C. The IMD warned that heatwave conditions will persist across north and central India through the week, with relief expected only after May 29. East Uttar Pradesh remains under a red alert, while orange alerts are in place across several neighbouring regions. (PC: HT)

India recorded all 50 of the world’s hottest cities on Friday morning as a severe heatwave continued to grip large parts of the country. Odisha’s Balangir topped the global temperature rankings at 45 degrees Celsius, while several cities across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh also crossed 44 degrees Celsius, according to AQI.in data and weather reports. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) maintained severe heatwave alerts in several states and warned that extreme temperatures could continue over the coming days. Authorities advised people to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. (PC: India Today)

Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded 48.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, becoming the hottest place in India and setting a new temperature record for the district. Extreme heat has disrupted daily life, with markets emptying by 10 am and labourers avoiding outdoor work during peak hours. Researchers and activists linked the worsening heat to deforestation, large-scale mining, river sand extraction and falling groundwater levels across Bundelkhand. Farmers have started working at night to escape the scorching temperatures. Experts warned that continued ecological damage could make parts of Banda unliveable in the coming years as the district increasingly turns into a severe heat island. (PC: HT)

Delhi and nearby cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) have come under Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after air quality worsened on Tuesday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 208, which falls in the “poor” category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said the restrictions have taken effect immediately. Government agencies have been told to step up anti-pollution measures and monitor the situation closely. Weather forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM suggest that air quality is likely to remain poor over the next few days. Residents have been asked to follow pollution-control guidelines.

India is likely to face harsher heatwave conditions this week, with temperatures expected to touch 45-46°C in several states, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Orange and yellow alerts have been issued across north, central and eastern India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar.   The IMD said temperatures are already 5-6°C above normal in many regions, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially among children, the elderly and people with health conditions. The weather agency also warned that a possible El Niño formation in July could weaken the upcoming monsoon despite an early onset over Kerala. (PC: X)

India is bracing for intensified summer conditions as the India Meteorological Department warned temperatures could touch 45–46°C across several states this week, with severe heatwave alerts issued from May 18 to 24. Temperatures have already crossed 46°C in parts of Uttar Pradesh, while Delhi may also witness prolonged heatwave conditions. Officials cautioned that rising daytime and nighttime temperatures could sharply increase risks of heat-related illnesses, especially among children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases. The weather agency also warned that a developing El Niño event could weaken India’s upcoming monsoon season after July, potentially resulting in below-normal rainfall despite an early Kerala monsoon onset forecast for May 26. (PC: X)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heatwave conditions will intensify across north India and continue until May 22. Delhi’s maximum temperature may reach 45°C next week. Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Chhattisgarh are also expected to face extreme heat. The IMD said temperatures could rise by 3 to 4 degrees in several regions. In Delhi, partly cloudy skies and strong winds are likely on Sunday. Some states, including Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, may receive light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next few days.