With temperatures soaring as high as 47 degrees Celsius in some areas of the national Capital, Delhi, and in North West States like Rajasthan, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Haryana, as well as in Central parts of the country, people are grappling with intense heatwaves that have made outdoor activities nearly impossible.
This challenging situation is expected to persist for at least the next three days, with the weather department issuing a red alert for heatwaves in several northern Indian cities, including Rajasthan.
The Union Health Ministry has already advised employers to take essential heat safety measures at the workplace. “From providing hydration stations to scheduling outdoor tasks during cooler hours, let’s ensure our workers stay cool, healthy, and productive,” the Ministry said in a post on social media platform X. It also advised employers to train workers to recognise symptoms of heat-related illness.
Relief from the blistering weather is anticipated from June 1, thanks to a fresh western disturbance, according to forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The oppressive heat has driven residents indoors, resulting in public spaces being virtually deserted, particularly during the afternoon hours. In response to the ongoing intense hot weather in the national Capital, the Haryana Government has announced the advancement of summer vacations in both State-run and private schools to begin on Tuesday.
Additionally, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj announced on Monday that 26 State Government-run hospitals will reserve two beds each for heatstroke patients, with an additional five beds reserved at the LNJP Hospital.
The Centre Government operated RML Hospital has already set up a heat stroke unit to tackle the likely heat-illness related cases.
As large parts of North West and Central India experienced a punishing heatwave straining power grids, States are ready for disaster preparedness, like situation on Sunday.
In Maharashtra’s Akola, authorities took proactive measures by imposing Section 144 until May 31, effectively banning public gatherings as a precautionary measure against the extreme weather conditions.
At least eight places in Delhi recorded maximum temperatures above 46 degrees Celsius, with Mungeshpur and Najafgarh logging a sweltering 48.3 degrees Celsius and 48.1 degrees Celsius, respectively. Haryana’s Narnaul simmered at 47 degrees Celsius and Punjab’s Faridkot at 47.4 degrees Celsius.
According to IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Rajasthan and Gujarat saw nine to 12 heatwave days, with temperatures reaching 45-50 degrees Celsius.
Delhi, South Haryana, South West UP and Punjab recorded five-seven heatwave days, with maximum temperatures ranging from 44 degrees Celsius to 48 degrees Celsius, said the IMD chief. Assam also experienced a heatwave with record breaking temperatures on May 25-26.
The IMD attributed the heatwave in northwest India and some parts of the Central region in the second half of May to the lack of rainfall, stronger dry and warm winds and an anti-cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat.
Mohapatra said only two of the five western disturbances that affected north India were active. However, three days now, Northwestern and Central parts of the country are likely to get some relief from scorching heat after three days due to a fresh western disturbance, said the IMD.
On their part, authorities in the heatwave affected regions are taking measures to address the health risks posed by heat related illness, including reserving beds for heatstroke patients in Government-run hospitals. With temperatures remaining high even at night, many people are struggling to find relief, especially those without access to air conditioning or proper cooling facilities, said the officials.
Doctors are urging people to take precautions to stay safe during this challenging period, emphasising the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun. They warn that the situation could worsen if the heat wave persists.
Some doctors said there has been a significant rise in urinary tract infections and kidney stones in adults due to sweltering heat conditions. Hence, one should drink water at regular intervals during hot weather, and urine colour should be like clear water. Yellow urine indicates dehydration, they said.
Similarly, cases of patients suffering from heat-related illness such as dehydration, fever, nausea and abdominal pain too are being reported from some hospitals in Lucknow. According to an order issued by the Directorate of School Education in Haryana on Monday, all schools in the State will observe summer holidays between Tuesday and June 30. Earlier, it had ordered the closure of schools from June 1 to 30. However, in view of the prevailing severe heatwave conditions in the State, it has been decided to declare summer holidays from Tuesday, officials said.
During the past few days, most places in Haryana have witnessed blistering heat, with maximum temperatures hovering in the 44-46 degrees Celsius range.
