The northern part of India is bracing for an unprecedented heatwave as the period of Nautapa is set to begin on May 25, 2026. According to the latest updates from the Meteorological Department, this nine-day period could prove to be extremely challenging for residents across several states. The heat is expected to reach its peak between May 25 and June 2, with temperatures potentially soaring between 45 and 48 degrees Celsius in regions including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Bihar. This period is traditionally known as Nautapa, and its dates vary every year. During these nine days, the sun shines with such intensity that roads feel like furnaces during the day, and the nights offer little relief due to high humidity and heat.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Across North Indian States
Meteorologists have issued a serious warning regarding the upcoming days, noting that the heat has already made life difficult for people in May. This year, Nautapa is expected to break several previous records, while even before the official start of Nautapa, some areas are already witnessing extreme conditions. For instance, in the Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, the temperature has already crossed the 48 degrees Celsius mark. Similarly, the national capital, Delhi, has seen temperatures hovering around 47 degrees Celsius. These figures indicate that the upcoming nine days will see the sun shining with such intensity that roads will be scorching, and the lack of cooling at night will lead to sleeplessness for many.
The Science Behind the Extreme Heat of Nautapa
The phenomenon of Nautapa, which occurs at the end of May and the beginning of June, brings severe heat due to specific astronomical and geographical factors. One of the primary reasons is the position of the sun relative to the Earth. 5 degrees. During this time of the year, the sun moves directly over the Tropic of Cancer. This positioning causes the sun's rays to fall vertically and with greater intensity on the northern hemisphere, particularly over the plains of India.
Plus, these days are among the longest of the year, while the sun rises early and sets late, remaining in the sky for an extended duration. This continuous exposure to intense sunlight heats the ground excessively. Consequently, even during the night, temperatures remain high, often staying between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, preventing the environment from cooling down and offering no respite to the people.
Impact of Dry Land and Hot Winds
The persistent heat leads to the depletion of moisture from the soil, while dry soil heats up much faster than moist soil, further radiating heat into the atmosphere. Vegetation also loses its moisture, making the air even drier. During this period, hot westerly winds, commonly known as Loo, blow from the desert regions of Rajasthan and sweep across the plains of North India. These winds Notably elevate the temperature. Also, meteorologists point out that high-pressure systems in the upper atmosphere push air downwards, preventing the formation of clouds and eliminating any chance of rain, which keeps the skies clear and the sun's impact direct.
Humidity and the Heat Index Factor
In addition to the high temperatures, humidity plays a major role in increasing the discomfort during Nautapa. This period coincides with the preparation for the Southwest Monsoon. Moist air from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea begins to move toward North India. While these winds carry moisture, they don't yet result in rainfall. The high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, which is the body's natural way of cooling down. This leads to a higher Heat Index, where a recorded temperature of 45 degrees Celsius can feel like 50 to 55 degrees Celsius to the human body.
Health Risks and Post-Nautapa Relief
The combination of extreme heat and humidity poses serious health risks, while doctors warn that cases of heat stroke, dehydration, fatigue, and dizziness increase during Nautapa. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are advised to take extra precautions. Relief is expected only after the conclusion of Nautapa, when the Southwest Monsoon typically hits the Kerala coast and gradually advances across the country. The arrival of monsoon rains eventually brings down the temperatures and cools the parched land, marking the end of the most extreme phase of summer.