North India: Red Alert for Severe Heatwave

Forecast of Intense Heat

A severe heatwave is predicted to affect Delhi and other regions of North India over the next five days, with temperatures potentially exceeding 47 degrees Celsius. Consequently, a ‘red alert’ has been issued for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.

Heatwave Intensifies: Alerts Issued

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that severe heatwave conditions will continue in parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh. Several districts are expected to experience daytime temperatures surpassing 47 degrees Celsius. Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar stated that temperatures in Northwest India have been above normal, prompting the issuance of a ‘red alert’ for the area over the past few days.

Worsening Conditions: Red Alert Expanded

The IMD has extended the ‘red alert’ in Rajasthan for the upcoming five days, with expectations of maximum temperatures rising from 45 degrees Celsius to around 47 degrees Celsius. Although temperatures in Punjab and Haryana have slightly decreased due to a western disturbance, they are anticipated to rise gradually by two to three degrees. Therefore, a ‘red alert’ has also been declared for these states, alongside an ‘orange alert’ for northern Madhya Pradesh.

Ongoing Heatwave: Impact on Daily Life

The intense heatwave has persisted for five consecutive days, affecting health and livelihoods across large parts of India. Reports indicate that extreme heat will also affect the lower hills of Himachal Pradesh, which usually provide a respite from the plains’ heat. On Tuesday, temperatures in many areas of Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh exceeded 45 degrees Celsius, causing disruptions in daily life as many chose to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

Record Temperatures and Power Demand

Parts of Gujarat faced the perilous combination of extreme heat and high humidity. Sirsa in Haryana recorded a blistering 47.8 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest location in the country on Tuesday. In Delhi, while temperatures slightly decreased compared to previous days, they remained three to five degrees above seasonal averages. Officials reported that peak power demand in the national capital reached an unprecedented 7,717 MW on Tuesday afternoon, largely driven by increased air conditioning use in homes and offices.

Rainfall Relief Expected in Southern India

As northern India grapples with the extreme summer heat, southern regions are anticipated to receive relief. The weather department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with up to 12 cm expected over the next two to three days.