New Delhi: The blistering heat across the country, particularly in Northern India, continued unabated on Wednesday, with Rajasthan’s Barmer hitting a scorching 48 degrees Celsius, the highest in India so far this season.
Official data revealed that at least 24 locations in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh recorded maximum temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius or above on Wednesday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of worsening conditions, predicting a rise of three to four degrees in northwest India over the next few days.
Kerala Hit by Deadly Torrential Rains, Red Alert Issued
In contrast, Kerala faced a deluge as torrential rains claimed at least four lives, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert for several districts including Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki.
The IMD upgraded earlier orange alerts in Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam to red, anticipating extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Other districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad remain on orange alert, while Kannur and Kasaragod are on yellow alert.
Heavy rainfall inundated parts of Cochin city corporation in Ernakulam, and the KSDMA has warned fishermen against venturing into the sea.
Flights Disrupted in Kerala Due to Severe Weather
Severe weather conditions in Kerala affected several flights at Calicut International Airport. Five Air India Express flights from Doha, Muscat, Dubai, Dammam, and Riyadh were diverted. An Air India Express flight to Doha was canceled, while flights to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Dubai faced delays due to heavy rain.
Odisha Braces for Weekend Rainfall
A low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring rainfall to northern Odisha districts. The IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in Balasore district from May 24, with moderate rainfall in other northern districts.
Fishermen have been advised to avoid the sea on May 23 and 24 due to rough conditions.
Delhi Endures Scorching Heatwave
Delhi and its neighboring states continued to endure heatwave conditions with temperatures reaching 45 degrees or above. Heavy gusty winds followed at night on Wednesday. The Yamuna River’s water levels dropped, affecting the water supply, with the AAP government alleging Haryana’s disruption for political reasons.
Power demand in Delhi hit a record 8,000 megawatts, with air conditioners and coolers running at full capacity.
Massive Forest Fire Rages in Jammu’s Poonch
A massive forest fire in the Tanda area of Sundarbani along the Jammu-Poonch highway has been raging for three days, fueled by the ongoing heatwave and dry conditions. The fire threatens nearby inhabited areas, risking life and property. Temperatures in Jammu could reach up to 44 degrees Celsius by the weekend.
Rajasthan Sizzles as Hottest in India
Rajasthan’s Barmer hit a blistering 48 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature in the country this season. Other hot spots in the state included Churu at 47.4 degrees, Phalodi at 47.8 degrees, and Jaisalmer at 47.2 degrees.
The Met department has issued a red warning for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and west Uttar Pradesh, highlighting a “very high likelihood” of heat-related illnesses and heatstroke across all age groups.
