India, March 11 -- Himachal Pradesh has recorded a severe heatwave in early March 2026, marking the earliest occurrence in five years.

This shift in timing, arriving 74 days earlier than in 2024, suggests changing patterns in extreme heat events.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh also experienced its earliest heatwave, highlighting a trend of earlier heatwaves across India.

Himachal Pradesh is experiencing its earliest heatwave in five years. The Himalayan state recorded heatwave to severe heatwave conditions on March 6, 2026, marking the first time for such consistent high temperatures in the first week of March.

This trend is mirrored 2,000 kilometres away in coastal Andhra Pradesh, indicating its widespread nature.

In 2025, heatwaves arrived...