Delhi Temperature reached a high of 47.4 degrees Celsius, especially Najafgarh, the highest recorded in the country this season. While Noida Temperature was a little lower than Delhi and Gurgaon temperatures. On Sunday, Gurgaon experienced its first heatwave of the summer as Gurgaon temperature increased above 45 °C. The weather department has issued a ‘red alert’ for the next ten days due to the expected rise in temperatures.
The highest temperature recorded was 45.5 °C, which is nearly 5 degrees higher than the usual for this time of year.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Saturday that severe heatwaves in North India are expected in the plains of the northwest for the next five days. East and central regions will experience a heat wave for the next three days.
Temperatures will range between 43°C and 46°C during this time. This extreme heat can cause serious health issues like heatstroke and dehydration, especially for the elderly, children, and heavy workers.
The IMD also warned that these heat waves will cover other parts like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha. While these areas may not get as hot as the northwest, temperatures will still be 2-4°C above normal.
An orange alert was issued for east Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, warning of “high health concern” for vulnerable people like infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.
Experts have warned that the ongoing general elections in India could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses for people exposed to the sun for long periods or doing heavy work.
Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to protect themselves from the severe heat. They advise staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, drinking lots of water, wearing light-coloured and lightweight clothes, and avoiding heavy outdoor activities.
While the heatwaves in North India were extreme, the southern and eastern regions are expected to see heavy rainfall and storms next week, Probably, May 21 to 26. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Lakshadweep, and southern Karnataka should prepare for light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds over the next six to seven days.
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura will see this weather for five days. Heavy rain is likely in Sikkim on May 19-20, in Arunachal on May 19, and Assam and Meghalaya may experience very heavy rain, especially in Meghalaya on May 19-20.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group said that climate change is making heatwaves in North India worse. They stressed that these stronger heat waves are making life harder for people living in poverty in Asia.
