A heatwave has gripped much of northern India as summer reaches its peak in the region, with little relief ahead. The Meteorological Department forecasts indicate that an intense heat wave will occur over central and northwestern India during the next week.
According to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department, heatwave to severe heatwave is likely to prevail over central and northwest India during the next seven days. The maximum temperatures will start falling gradually from May 29 onwards, as a new Western Disturbance is expected to hit northwest India from May 28, the IMD said.
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“A significant change in maximum temperatures is unlikely in many parts of northwest India till May 28, and a gradual decline of 3-5 degrees Celsius on May 29 and 30,” the IMD said in its latest weather update.
Area-wide heat wave update
While a heatwave will prevail over most parts of northwest India over the next week, a severe heatwave alert has been issued for Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana on May 25, 26 and 27, with an orange alert issued on these dates.
In western Uttar Pradesh, an orange alert was issued from May 24 to 28 for heatwave conditions. However, a red alert was issued for eastern Uttar Pradesh on May 24, 25 and 26, followed by two days of orange alert.
Warning for red alert areas
The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for areas under red alert, as the risk of heat-related illness and heatstroke remains high at all ages. Extreme care is required for vulnerable people, the IMD said.
For orange alert zones, the IMD said there is an increased possibility of heat illness symptoms in people who are exposed to the sun for a long period or do strenuous work. Infants, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases remain at risk.
Temperatures in Rajasthan may reach 47 degrees
Heatwave conditions intensified across Rajasthan with temperatures in the western parts hovering between 45 and 46 degrees Celsius. Jaisalmer recorded the highest maximum temperature of 45.9 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours, the Meteorological Department said.
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The Jaipur Meteorological Center has issued a heatwave alert, warning that weather conditions are likely to remain dry in most parts of the state for the next three to four days. It is also expected that winds will be blowing dust at a speed of 20-30 km per hour, with an additional rise in temperatures ranging between 2-3 degrees Celsius.
On May 26 and 27, some parts of western Rajasthan may witness maximum temperatures reaching 46-47 degrees Celsius, with isolated places likely to experience intense heatwaves, the department said.
The death toll from the heat wave has risen to 16 people in southern India
The intense heatwave has claimed at least 16 lives in the southern part of the country so far, AFP reported. While India is known for its hot summers, heat waves are becoming longer, more frequent and intense due to climate change.
The deaths were reported in the southern state of Telangana, where Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy called for “state-wide vigilance” to protect public health.
Reddy’s office said in a statement that “heat intensity has reached unprecedented levels” and officials in Telangana must issue advance warnings about precautions to be taken during heatwaves.
