The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of an imminent severe heatwave across several northern states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. This alert follows a blistering May 21, when temperatures soared beyond 45 degrees Celsius in these regions.
According to the IMD, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh until May 25. Additionally, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh will face heatwave conditions through May 25, while Maharashtra is forecasted to experience similar conditions until May 24.
The surge in temperatures has led to an increase in heat-related illnesses, prompting government hospitals to report a rise in patients. In response, Ahmedabad’s civic body has stocked health and wellness centers with medicines and oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has also set up kiosks to distribute buttermilk and provide drinking water at public places. Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, the highest in Gujarat, according to the IMD.
Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar stated, “Temperatures are currently above normal across North West India, and we had issued a red alert for the region over the past 2-3 days. We have issued a red alert in Rajasthan for the next five days, with maximum temperatures expected to rise from 45°C to 47°C.”
“In Punjab and Haryana, maximum temperatures have seen a slight drop due to a prevailing western disturbance, but they will gradually increase by 2 to 3 degrees. We have already issued a red alert for these states. Uttar Pradesh is also under a red alert for the next five days, with an orange alert for northern parts of Madhya Pradesh,” Kumar added.
In Rajasthan, Radhe Shyam Sharma, Director of the Jaipur Meteorological Centre, reported, “In the last 24 hours, for the first time this season, the maximum temperature in Rajasthan has reached 47 degrees Celsius. Most places in western Rajasthan are experiencing temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. The heatwave will continue for the next five days, with temperatures expected to rise by another 1-2 degrees Celsius in the next 48 to 72 hours.”
The IMD’s red alert highlights the urgency of the situation as northern India braces for an extended period of extreme heat.
