New Delhi: India is currently experiencing a relentless heatwave, with temperatures soaring to alarming levels across the country. From the northern reaches of Ladakh to Jharkhand in the east, a vast swath of northwest India is under the grip of severe heat. Prayagraj, in Uttar Pradesh, has reported a scorching 47.6 degrees Celsius.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) brings a glimmer of hope, forecasting that monsoon rains are expected to bring some respite to parts of Maharashtra, Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar within the next four days.
In response to the sweltering conditions, the IMD has issued a heatwave alert for several states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Citizens are urged to take necessary precautions against the heat. Chhattisgarh has taken measures by extending school summer vacations until June 25th.
Temperature readings have been significantly above normal across various regions. The national capital recorded over 45 degrees Celsius, which is seven degrees above the seasonal average. Dehradun in Uttarakhand and Una in Himachal Pradesh also reported temperatures well above normal averages for this time of year.
The weather office anticipates no significant change in the maximum temperatures in northwest India for the next 24 hours but predicts a slight decrease thereafter. However, central and eastern India are expected to continue battling high temperatures for three more days before any relief.
Punjab and Haryana have seen no let-up from the persistent heat with Bathinda recording 46.9 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh too reported a high of 44.5 degrees Celsius.
Rajasthan witnessed an intensification of heatwave conditions on Monday, with temperatures climbing one to six degrees Celsius higher than the previous day. The state also recorded minimum temperatures that were significantly above normal.
This heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the extreme weather conditions that can occur and the importance of being prepared and staying safe.
