A large part of India has been experiencing a severe heatwave over the past several days, significantly affecting the health and livelihoods of residents. According to recent reports, no relief is expected for the next five days in the affected regions, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and northwest Madhya Pradesh.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for these states, emphasizing the need for "extreme care for vulnerable people." The intense heat is also impacting the lower hills of Himachal Pradesh, which are usually a refuge from the plains' heat.

 

Current Conditions and Forecasts

Temperatures have seen a slight dip compared to previous days but remain three to five degrees above the seasonal average, in Delhi. The maximum temperature in Mungeshpur hit 44.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Palam at 44.4 degrees, Najafgarh at 43.9 degrees, and Pusa and Pitampura at 43.4 degrees. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Delhi on Wednesday and a red alert from Thursday to Saturday, urging "extreme care for vulnerable people" due to the heatwave.
  
Haryana and Punjab: Sirsa in Haryana recorded the highest temperature in the country at 47.8 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh continues to endure heatwave conditions with a forecasted maximum temperature of 44°C and a "mainly clear sky."

Rajasthan: Temperatures soared above 45 degrees Celsius across the state, with Pilani recording a high of 47.2 degrees Celsius.

Uttar Pradesh: Similar extreme temperatures are being reported, contributing to the heatwave conditions across the state.

Gujarat: Facing a deadly combination of high heat and humidity, the region continues to experience oppressive conditions.

Himachal Pradesh: The lower hills saw a slight drop in temperatures due to showers and thunderstorms, but local forecasts predict a rise in temperatures by two to three degrees in the coming days.

Maharashtra: Many areas recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, with Jalgaon reportedly reaching 45.2 degrees Celsius. In Mumbai, Santacruz and Colaba observatories recorded temperatures of 34.9 and 35 degrees Celsius, respectively. Other notable high temperatures included Beed at 43.3 degrees, Malegaon at 43, Parbhani at 41.7, Nashik and Solapur both at 41.8, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar at 41.6, Pune at 40.6, Ahmednagar at 41, and Dharashiv at 40.5 degrees Celsius.

 

Advisory

Residents in these areas are advised to stay indoors during the peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and young children, should be given extra care.

 

Travel Advisory

Due to the extreme weather conditions, it is advised to cancel any planned trips to the hills or any other affected areas. For those travelling or staying in these regions, it is crucial to stay informed through local weather updates and follow IMD advisories for safety. Stay safe and take care during this intense heatwave period. For more travel updates and advisories, stay tuned to Times of India.