2026 heatwaves in India and Turkey

In mid‑July 2026, the town of Banda in Uttar Pradesh, India, recorded temperatures up to 48.2 °C, making it one of the world’s hottest locations for the year. Residents faced frequent power cuts, heat‑related illnesses, and resorted to sleeping outdoors and starting work before dawn. Community volunteers installed thousands of bird‑feeding stations and water bowls to aid wildlife.

A week later, similar extreme conditions persisted in Banda, with temperatures again exceeding 48 °C and causing dehydration, sun‑stroke, and chronic electricity outages. The report also noted a parallel heatwave in Kurtalan, Siirt Province, Turkey, where daytime highs ranged from 45 °C to 55 °C. Turkish residents stayed indoors during peak heat, sought shade after sunset, and increased fluid intake. Health officials in both regions advised limiting midday exposure.

Both snapshots illustrate a continued, multi‑regional heatwave episode in July 2026, marked by record‑breaking temperatures, health stresses, infrastructure strain, and grassroots efforts to protect both people and wildlife.