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severe heatwave has gripped large parts of northwest and central India as temperatures surged close to 45 degrees Celsius on Monday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of prolonged extreme conditions across multiple states in the coming week. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi are expected to remain under heatwave conditions between Monday (May 18) and May 24, while Uttar Pradesh may witness heatwave to severe heatwave conditions from Tuesday onwards, officials said.
IMD Heatwave Alert: Extreme Heat Grips Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi
Several regions recorded dangerously high temperatures, with Bathinda in Punjab reaching a scorching 47 degrees Celsius. Parts of Haryana and Rajasthan also crossed 46 degrees, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing heatwave spell.
Delhi recorded temperatures around 44 degrees Celsius, with IMD’s Safdarjung station logging 43.4 degrees Celsius. Ridge station touched 44.6 degrees Celsius while Lodhi Road recorded 43.8 degrees, which is nearly 5 degrees above normal and marks the hottest May day in two years.“The northwesterly winds are sweeping into the national capital from the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan and parts of central Pakistan. Travelling across vast arid stretches, these winds turn intensely dry by the time they reach Delhi, trapping heat close to the surface and sharply intensifying the searing conditions across the city,” said Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather.He added that night temperatures have also remained high due to sustained daytime heating and the absence of rain.
There is no forecast of thunderstorms or pre-monsoon rainfall over the next 10 days, worsening the situation further. Delhi also saw a spike in power demand, reaching 7542 MW, the highest this summer so far.
IMD Heatwave Alert: No Relief Expected Till May 24
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, warning that temperatures may touch 45 degrees in the next two days. A gradual rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius is expected across northwest India through May 24, with heatwave conditions likely in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.In Rajasthan, Pilani and Chittorgarh recorded 46.2 degrees Celsius each, while Sri Ganganagar touched 46.1 degrees. Almost all cities in the state crossed 41 degrees, with Jaipur at 43.6 degrees Celsius.
Punjab and Haryana also remained under severe heat stress, with Chandigarh recording its hottest day of the season at 42 degrees Celsius. In Haryana, Rohtak, Hisar and Narnaul all recorded highs above 44 degrees.The IMD has also warned that similar conditions may extend to Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and parts of eastern India in isolated pockets over the coming days.
IMD Heatwave Alert: Health Advisory Issued as Heat Stress Risks Rise
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an advisory urging people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, and wear light cotton clothing. It also recommends cooling refreshments, electrolyte-rich fluids and reduced outdoor exposure.Authorities have advised special precautions at workplaces and public spaces, including shaded rest areas, hydration breaks and awareness about symptoms of heat stress as the country continues to face one of the most intense early-summer heatwave spells in recent years.(With Inputs From India)
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