Karnataka Heatwave: Govt Employee Dies In 2nd Suspected Heatstroke Death In 48 Hours

Last Updated:April 22, 2026, 08:00 IST

The two suspected heatwave deaths come as large parts of Karnataka, especially in the north, grapple with harsh summer conditions

Karnataka’s heatwave is beginning to show its toll. A 35-year-old government officer in Belagavi district is suspected to have died of heatstroke, marking the second such death in the state within 48 hours.

The back-to-back incidents have pushed authorities into a more urgent response mode as temperatures continue to climb across several regions in Karnataka, including capital Bengaluru.

Venkatesh Ballari, chief officer of Chinchali town panchayat in Raiabag taluk, reportedly felt dizzy and collapsed while attending a Basaveshwar Jayanti event on Monday. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead. Officials are still awaiting confirmation on the exact cause.

Just a day earlier, a 20-year-old man in Bidar district had died after collapsing on his way back from a local market. The victim, Mohammed Sameer, had reportedly been out in the sun before he fell unconscious. Police are waiting for post-mortem findings, but if confirmed, it would be the first heatstroke death of the season in Karnataka.

The two incidents have come as large parts of Karnataka, especially in the north, grapple with harsh summer conditions. In districts like Bidar and Kalaburagi, temperatures have already breached the 40°C mark, with some areas inching closer to 45°C.

The state government has since moved to tighten its preparedness. Hospitals across districts have been put on alert, with dedicated heatstroke wards being set up. These units, officials said, will have a small number of beds but function with round-the-clock medical teams to handle heat-related emergencies.

Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has urged people to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours and to stay hydrated, as forecasts indicate the heat is likely to persist for at least the next couple of weeks.

Bengaluru Weather Update: Relentless Heat, Rain Still A Week Away

Even Bengaluru, which typically escapes the worst of the heat, is feeling the strain.

The city recorded maximum temperatures between 36.4°C and 36.8°C on Tuesday, around 2 to 3 degrees above the seasonal average. Weather officials say there is little immediate relief in sight, with clear skies and high temperatures expected to continue for the next few days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), daytime temperatures in Bengaluru are likely to hover between 36°C and 37°C for at least another week. Northern and coastal districts are expected to remain hotter, with temperatures ranging between 40°C and 42°C.

An anti-cyclonic circulation over central India is currently driving these conditions, keeping both day and night temperatures elevated.

There is, however, some hope on the horizon. Isolated rainfall has already been recorded in parts of the state, including Dharwad and Shivamogga. More scattered showers, along with gusty winds, are likely in districts such as Kodagu, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru in the coming days.

For now though, the heat isn’t letting up — and with two suspected deaths already reported, the coming weeks could test the state’s response further.

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