Large parts of North and Central India continued to reel under an intense heatwave on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that temperatures are likely to remain dangerously high over the next several days. Delhi-NCR is expected to touch nearly 46 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while parts of Uttar Pradesh have already crossed the 48-degree mark.
The prolonged spell of extreme heat has pushed authorities to issue orange and red alerts across several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. The IMD has warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across northwest and central India through the week, raising concerns over heat-related illnesses, dehydration and power demand.
In Delhi, the Safdarjung observatory, considered the city’s official weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 45.1 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, nearly 4.7 degrees above normal and the highest so far this season.
Some areas of the national capital saw even harsher conditions. Ridge station recorded 46.5 degrees Celsius, Ayanagar touched 45.5 degrees, while Lodhi Road reported 45.2 degrees.
Uttar Pradesh records country’s highest temperature
The IMD said Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest place in the country on Tuesday with a maximum temperature of 48.2 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions were reported in isolated pockets of East Uttar Pradesh, while Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and parts of West Uttar Pradesh also remained under intense heat stress.
The weather agency has forecast severe heatwave conditions over West Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh till May 25. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi are also likely to remain under heatwave conditions throughout the week.
Even nights are offering little relief.
The IMD warned that “warm night” conditions are very likely over Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha, meaning temperatures after sunset may remain significantly above normal.
Delhi’s air quality worsens amid scorching weather
The extreme temperatures also worsened Delhi’s air quality on Tuesday. The city’s Air Quality Index climbed to 208 by evening, making it the poorest air quality recorded since April 28.
Following the deterioration in pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management activated Stage 1 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan.
Meteorologists said this is already Delhi’s fourth heatwave spell of the year after similar conditions in April.
Strong surface winds with speeds of up to 40 kmph are expected across Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh during the coming days, but officials said these are unlikely to bring major relief from the heat.
IMD issues health warning amid rising heat stress
The weather office has advised people to avoid direct exposure to the sun during afternoon hours, stay hydrated and watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
According to the IMD’s impact advisory, infants, elderly people and those with chronic illnesses face a higher health risk during prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.
The agency recommended drinking sufficient water even if not thirsty and consuming homemade cooling drinks such as lemon water, buttermilk and lassi to avoid dehydration.
People have also been advised to wear lightweight cotton clothing, cover their heads while stepping outdoors and avoid strenuous work during peak daytime hours.
Rainfall likely in South, Northeast as monsoon advances
While North India remains under severe heat stress, the IMD has forecast widespread rainfall activity over parts of South India and the Northeast over the next few days. Kerala, Assam, Meghalaya and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal are likely to receive heavy rainfall.
The Southwest Monsoon is expected to reach Kerala around May 26, with conditions becoming favourable for further advancement over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal regions during the next three to four days.
The IMD’s seven-day forecast map also showed largely dry conditions continuing across Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat even as rain-bearing systems remain active in southern and northeastern regions.
Inputs from the IMD bulletin