[3][4] The heat wave occurred during the Indian dry season, which typically lasts from March to July with peak temperatures in April and May.

[5] Although it typically remains hot until late October, Indian monsoons often provide some respite from the heat.

[6] The South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and the neighbouring Telangana, where more than 1,735 and 585 people died respectively, were the areas most affected by the heat wave.

[8][9][10] According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a heat wave is qualified when air temperatures of at least 40 °C (104 °F) in the plains or greater than 30 °C (86 °F) in the hilly regions.

In the recent past, the most severe period of hot weather occurred in 1995, when 1,677 people died due to a series of heatwaves.

The sudden end of pre-monsoon rain showers, an uncommon trend in India, has contributed to the heat waves.

[32][35] The air temperature on hill stations like Mussoorie, situated 2,010 metres (6,580 ft) above sea level, rose to 36.0 °C (96.8 °F).

[32] On 25 May, more than 90 deaths due to sun stroke were recorded in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

[specify] An awareness campaign was launched advising citizens to not leave their homes at noon unless absolutely necessary.