The intense heat in northern India has severely affected daily life. On Tuesday, Ayanagar in Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 45.5 degrees Celsius, with extreme heat conditions prevailing in Palam and Ridge areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that since Sunday, temperatures have continued to rise, with this trend expected to persist for the next three days.
In Delhi's various areas on Tuesday, the maximum temperatures recorded were: Safdarjung at 43.8 degrees Celsius, Palam with a heatwave at 44.6 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road with a heatwave at 43.6 degrees Celsius, Ridge area at 45.0 degrees Celsius with a heatwave, and Ayanagar at 45.5 degrees Celsius.
According to IMD, the intolerable heat persists in Delhi not just during the day but also at night, where temperatures remain higher than usual, categorized as 'Warm Night Conditions'.
Serious Situation in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan
The heatwave continues in other northern states of India. Bathinda in Punjab climbed to a scorching 47.6 degrees Celsius, declared as a severe heatwave condition by IMD. Shri Ganganagar in western Rajasthan recorded 47.4 degrees Celsius, and Kota in eastern Rajasthan saw 46.3 degrees Celsius. In Haryana, Sirsa faced 46.2 degrees Celsius, creating significant discomfort for the populace.
Source: aajtak
Northern, Eastern, and Central India Burning Like a Furnace
The scorching heat has engulfed northern, eastern, and central India. States like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan witness temperatures ranging between 44 to 47 degrees Celsius. Weather maps depict these areas in deepening red hues, illustrating the grim severity of the heatwaves.
Meteorologists predict this intense heatwave to persist for the next three days, with a possibility of heightened heatwave intensity in certain areas. Fortunately, temperatures might drop by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius afterward.
Why the Sudden Rise?
IMD scientist Naresh Kumar explained, "A decrease in thunderstorm activity with rain, along with anti-cyclonic circulation in northwest India, has pushed temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. Heatwave conditions persist in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, northern Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan."
IMD Issues Alerts for Several States
IMD has issued alerts for several states due to the intense heat. Rajasthan is under a red alert for severe heat. The IMD forecasts continued heatwave conditions in northern India for the next three days. However, light rain might occur in some areas, somewhat reducing the temperature. Yet, the department warned that no significant relief is expected on a large scale.
An orange alert is issued for Punjab and Haryana for the next three days, whereas Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are also warned for three days. IMD cautions that temperatures will remain high day and night in these regions, urging people to take extra precautions.
Impact on Daily Life
The intense heat confines people indoors. Daytime crowd in markets thins as people resort to cold beverages and air-conditioners for relief. Experts advise avoiding outdoor activities from noon to 3 pm, drinking plenty of water, and wearing light-colored clothes. People are urged to adopt heat protection measures and heed meteorological department warnings.
