The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that heatwave conditions will continue in the northern parts of the country, affecting states like Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh for the next few days.
A senior IMD scientist said, “We have issued a red alert in Rajasthan and Haryana due to the extreme heat, and an orange alert in Punjab for the next two days.”
In Rajasthan, the temperature reached a scorching 51 degrees Celsius in Phalodi, making it the hottest place in the country. “The next 3-4 days will remain the same in Rajasthan, and we have issued a red alert. After that, there will be a gradual decrease in temperature. In Haryana too, we have issued a red alert,” the scientist added. “For Punjab, it is an orange alert for 2 days and then a red alert is issued.”
The IMD also took to social media platform X, stating, “Heatwave to severe heat wave is very likely over many parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh on May 27, 2024.”
A red warning has been issued for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. This indicates a “very high likelihood” of heat illness and heatstroke for all age groups.
The IMD also warned that warm night conditions could worsen heat-related stress in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan over the next four days.
Rajasthan continues to face extreme temperatures with Barmer hitting 48.8 degrees Celsius, Jaisalmer 48 degrees, and Bikaner 47.2 degrees. The state’s disaster management department has directed district collectors to provide necessary relief to people, animals, and birds.
Official data showed that at least 17 places in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh recorded maximum temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius or above on Saturday.
The heatwave will continue to affect parts of Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra until May 29. Even the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya will not be spared from the searing heat.
Between 1998 and 2017, more than 166,000 people died due to heatwaves worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. In India, 3,812 deaths were reported due to heatwaves between 2015 and 2022, with Andhra Pradesh recording the highest number of fatalities at 2,419.
