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PM Modi urges precaution and kindness as India suffers heat wave
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged people to take precautions and stay vigilant against heat-related illnesses, amid "soaring temperatures."
"This heat is harsh on all of us and I urge you all to take as many precautions as possible. Please stay hydrated, keep water with you when stepping out. Offer a glass of water to others," he said in the first of a series of posts, adding that "kindness goes a long way."
In another post on X, he warned Indians to watch out for the symptoms of heatstroke.
"Watch for signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness, nausea or extreme fatigue. If someone around you feels unusually unwell, weak or develops a headache, it is best to help move them to a cool and shaded place immediately. Ensure they get water, ORS etc. that helps them," Modi said.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness, nausea or extreme fatigue. If someone around you feels unusually unwell, weak or develops a headache, it is best to help move them to a cool and shaded place immediately. Ensure they get water, ORS etc. that helps them. Children,…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 27, 2026
He reminded the nation that children, the elderly, and those working outdoors were especially vulnerable to the extreme heat.
Modi's social media posts come at least a week after large parts of India began facing a continued heat wave. While that is common over Indian summers, weather experts had previously warned that 2026 is likely to see a strong El Nino phenomenon, which will only make matters worse.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness, nausea or extreme fatigue. If someone around you feels unusually unwell, weak or develops a headache, it is best to help move them to a cool and shaded place immediately. Ensure they get water, ORS etc. that helps them. Children,…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 27, 2026
Indian media is reporting cases of water shortages in several cities and villages. Meanwhile, at least 16 people have died in the southern state of Telangana amid hundreds of reported cases of heat stroke across the country.
Maximum temperatures have been at about 47 degrees Celsius (116 degrees Fahrenheit) in several regions, making conditions extreme for gig workers, construction laborers, and service providers who depend on daily wages.
The Indian premier also reminded citizens to leave out water for birds and animals.
"Let us also remember the birds and animals around us. A small bowl of water kept outside your home, balconies, terraces, shops or offices can become a lifeline for a thirsty bird. May compassion guide us in these difficult days," he said.
According to the air quality and weather-tracking website AQI.IN, the top 70 of the world's hottest cities were in India on Wednesday afternoon.
Forest fires rage through north India amid heat wave
India's air force deployed helicopters in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday as several forest fires erupted in the Kasauli region of the northern, hilly state.
The fires spread quickly across large areas due to strong winds and dry conditions. Large parts of India are experiencing heat waves, with maximum temperatures exceeding 47 degrees Celsius (116 Fahrenheit) in several states and cities.
At least two Indian Air Force helicopters were tackling the blaze, according to the Press Trust of India, which showed videos of thick smoke billowing from the scenic forests and thick Himalayan tree coverage.
The Hindustan Times reported that personnel from the fire department, forest department, and Indian army were fighting to control the blaze and rescue people.
Extreme heat, along with dry winds are often a harbinger of wildfires, a more common phenomenon in the West than in India. However, climate change and extreme temperatures have increased instances of wildfires in India as well.
An analysis by Down To Earth showed that there were 80% more forest fires in just the first two months of 2026 when compared to trends in the past decade. When compared with 2024, which is the hottest year on record so far, forest fires were 50% more.
The Udhampur forest in the Jammu and Kashmir region has been fighting a massive forest fire for the last three days. Local media reported that the blaze has torn through several villages and continues to spread amid strong winds.
Before that, a massive forest fire broke out in the northern state of Uttarakhand, but was quickly controlled.
