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India Braces for Scorching Temperatures as Heatwave Grips Northern Regions
New Delhi – The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding elevated temperatures across northern India, including the national capital, Delhi, throughout the current week. Residents in these regions are advised to take necessary precautions as mercury levels are expected to climb significantly.
Heatwave Alert Issued for Multiple States
The meteorological agency has indicated that several states in northern and central India, specifically Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, are anticipated to experience maximum temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. This intense heat has prompted the IMD to issue a yellow alert for these areas.
Yellow Alert: Understanding the Impact
A yellow alert signifies that while the prevailing heat conditions are generally tolerable for the majority of the population, they could pose moderate health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups. These at-risk individuals include:
- Infants
- Elderly citizens
- Individuals with pre-existing chronic illnesses
Early Heatwaves Linked to Climate Change
While heatwaves are a typical occurrence in northern India between April and June, meteorological experts note a concerning trend. In recent years, the effects of global warming and climate change have led to the earlier onset and prolonged duration of extreme heat events. This shift underscores the escalating impact of climate change on regional weather patterns.
Delhi Temperature Forecast
According to the IMD’s latest forecast, Delhi is predicted to reach a peak temperature of 41 degrees Celsius on Monday afternoon. This forecast emphasizes the immediate need for residents to take preventative measures against the heat.
Public Advisory: Staying Safe in the Heat
The weather department has issued crucial advice to the public to mitigate the risks associated with the heatwave. Recommended precautions include:
- Avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting cotton garments to promote breathability.
- Protecting the head with a cloth or umbrella when outdoors.
Recent Temperature Readings
On Sunday, the capital city recorded a maximum temperature of 38.2 degrees Celsius, indicating a gradual increase in heat leading up to the current heatwave conditions.
Summer Heatwave Predictions Across India
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the IMD, stated last week that a significant portion of India is expected to endure an intense heatwave throughout the summer season. He highlighted that above-average temperatures are anticipated in most parts of the country.
Heatwave Days Forecast for Eastern and Central States
Mr. Mohapatra further cautioned that states such as Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha could experience a substantial number of heatwave days, potentially ranging from 10 to 11 days. This extended period of intense heat underscores the severity of the predicted summer heatwave.
“Between April and June, most regions of north and east India, central India, and the north-western plains are likely to experience two to four additional heatwave days compared to the usual,” he elaborated, emphasizing the deviation from typical weather patterns.
Climate Change Exacerbating Heat Events
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet, a weather forecasting company, emphasizes the escalating role of climate change in heatwave occurrences. “Heatwaves typically commence in northern India towards the end of April. However, recent observations indicate that climate change is intensifying these events,” Mr. Palawat explained.
Shrinking Spring Season
“We are transitioning abruptly from winter directly into summer, resulting in a shrinking spring season in northern India,” he added, highlighting the rapid shift in seasonal weather patterns.
Factors Contributing to Rising Temperatures
“In the coming days, a deceleration of wind speeds coupled with clear skies is expected. This atmospheric condition naturally leads to an increase in temperatures,” Mr. Palawat further explained, outlining the meteorological factors contributing to the anticipated heat surge.
Past Heat Records and Impacts
India experienced its highest ever recorded temperature last year, reaching 50.5 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan. The extreme heat also resulted in a significant number of suspected heatstroke cases, exceeding 40,000 reported instances.
Delhi Temperature Anomaly
In May of last year, a weather station in Delhi initially recorded an exceptionally high temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius. However, the government subsequently clarified that this reading was attributed to a sensor malfunction and revised the temperature downwards by 3 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave Mortality in 2024
Official data indicates that approximately 150 fatalities were attributed to the heatwave in 2024. However, independent researchers suggest that the actual death toll may have been considerably higher, indicating a potential underestimation of the heatwave’s impact on mortality.