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Delhi Heatwave: IMD Issues Orange Alert as ‘Feels Like’ Temperature Nears 50°C

June 11, 2025, 12:06 am

The Indian Meteorological Department has also released an orange alert due to heatwave in Delhi for the subsequent two days with inhabitants struggling with extremely high temperatures within the city, with a ‘feeling-like’ temperature of about 50 degrees Celsius.

With all the five weather stations showing an increase in temperature, the weather department was cautioned on a heatwave in Delhi.

Heatwave Conditions to Persist Over Northwest India

Following the Delhi warning, the IMD issued an orange alert on June 10 and June 11. This was after the weather department had announced that heatwave conditions would persist over Northwest India for the next four to five days.

Delhi touched the season’s highest maximum temperature of 43.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. The reading is 3.6 notches higher than the season’s average, according to the IMD.

Even when the temperature was close to 44 degrees Celsius, the actual-feel temperature or heat index was 47.1 degrees Celsius.

Delhi Sees Widespread Temperature Surge

As per the IMD, the temperature in Delhi is expected to breach the 45 degrees Celsius mark in the next few days.

Based on the data shared by the IMD, temperatures across the national capital saw a rise. The maximum temperature as of 8:30 AM on Tuesday was recorded at Ridge station of 44.9 degrees Celsius. Ayanagar recorded a high of 45.3 degrees Celsius. Palam was at 44.3 degrees Celsius.

On Monday, the maximum temperature had touched 45.5 degrees Celsius at IGNOU and 45.3 at Ayanagar. The capital’s heat index, or the “feels-like” temperature due to the humidity, was 49 degrees Celsius, said a report by Times of India.

In Safdarjung, the temperature was 43.4 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature as recorded at the Lodhi Road station was 43.3 degrees Celsius.

Red Alert in Other States; Rains Expected in South and Northeast

Heatwave alert has also been declared in Punjab and Haryana. According to the IMD, the maximum temperature of Haryana’s Sirsa was 46.4 degrees Celsius.

A red alert has been sounded for states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh due to severe heatwave like conditions.

While the southern and northeast India, meanwhile, the IMD has forecast increased rains owing to the southwest monsoon.

Areas of coastal and interior Karnataka, interior Kerala and Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are likely to see increased rain. Meanwhile, easter and northeast states like Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, and Odisha, too, are expected to see rains.

No Heatwave Relief For Delhi Traffic Police: Duty Comes First

June 25, 2024, 9:43 am

Delhi Traffic police personnel are grappling with severe heat conditions as the city experiences a record-breaking warm summer. Despite efforts by senior officers to equip traffic posts with coolers and provide electrolyte packets, many officers are still enduring discomfort and health issues due to inadequate cooling measures.

According to Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) and Sub-Inspectors (SIs) stationed across various points in Delhi, the conditions have been challenging. A significant number of traffic booths lack basic amenities like fans and coolers, forcing officers to find their own means of relief. Some officers have resorted to using personal vehicles with air conditioning during unbearable weather conditions.

“We manage with what we have, but it’s tough. The booth conditions vary, and not all are equipped with cooling facilities,” remarked a senior SI, highlighting the precarious state of infrastructure at some traffic posts.

Senior officers, including DCP (Traffic) Shashank Jaiswal, have acknowledged the situation and claimed efforts to provide coolers and hydration support to the personnel. “We have distributed coolers and ORS packets extensively this year, aiming to keep our officers hydrated and comfortable during duty,” stated DCP Jaiswal.

However, concerns about the health impact of alternative cooling gadgets like AC helmets or jackets with ice pads and built-in fans have led the Delhi Police to refrain from adopting such technologies. The department cites potential health risks associated with abrupt temperature changes between outdoor and indoor environments.

Despite assurances from senior officers about the provision of basic amenities, the frontline experience of many traffic police officers paints a picture of ongoing challenges and adaptations to cope with extreme weather conditions.

As the summer heat continues to pose risks to the health and well-being of traffic police personnel, calls for enhanced infrastructure and cooling solutions persist among those stationed at various points across Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh Records 35 Heatwave Deaths, Delhi Reports 21 | Key Updates

June 22, 2024, 10:29 am

Between March 1 and June 20, the prolonged heatwave sweeping across much of the country has resulted in 143 deaths, with 41,789 people suffering from suspected heatstroke during this period, according to data compiled by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

However, the actual toll is likely higher since the data, compiled under the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance, lacks updated submissions from states. Furthermore, several health facilities have not yet reported the number of casualties due to the heatwave.

Here are the latest updates on heatwave-related deaths:

1. Official data reveals that on June 20 alone, there were 14 confirmed deaths due to heatstroke and nine suspected heatstroke deaths, increasing the toll for the March-June period from 114 to 143.

2. Uttar Pradesh is the hardest-hit state with 35 deaths, followed by Delhi with 21, and Bihar and Rajasthan each reporting 17 fatalities, according to the data.

3. It is estimated that temperatures in the national capital may have caused at least 100 more deaths, including the 40 cases recorded at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital (DDU), pending confirmation through autopsies.

4. Officials in Gautam Buddh Nagar’s health department reported receiving at least 75 bodies for post-mortem between June 18 and 20, compared to the usual daily average of around seven or eight bodies.

5. Gautam Buddh Nagar’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Suneel Kumar Sharma stated, “There has been an increase in the number of post-mortem cases and this increase is quite unexpected. On June 18, we received 28 bodies, 25 on June 19, and 22 by the evening of June 20.”

6. Of these bodies, 20 were ‘brought dead,’ with 10 of them being ‘unidentified.’

7. On Thursday, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda directed officials to visit Central government-run health facilities to assess the number of heatstroke-related deaths in recent days.

8. Nadda also instructed officials to ensure hospitals are prepared to provide the best treatment to those affected, as he reviewed the national situation and hospitals’ readiness to handle the crisis.

9. The health ministry has issued an advisory for state health departments under the Union health minister’s direction.

10. According to the advisory, “the country may observe above normal seasonal maximum temperatures in-line with the observed trend of summertime temperatures. To reduce health impacts of extreme heat, health departments must ensure preparedness and timely response.”

Rain Brings Much-Needed Relief To Delhi From Heatwave

June 21, 2024, 4:59 pm

Rain brought much-needed relief to parts of the national capital on Friday, providing respite from the intense heatwave affecting the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

According to the weather office, the minimum temperature in Delhi settled at 28.4 degrees Celsius on Friday, which is normal for this time of the season.

The India Meteorological Department forecasted partly cloudy conditions in the national capital over the weekend, further easing the simmering heatwave.

The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to hover around 40 degrees Celsius, as reported by news agency PTI.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital on Friday was categorized as “moderate” with a reading of 173 at 1 pm, as per the Central Pollution Control Board’s data.

The people of Delhi have been grappling with an intense heatwave and a severe water crisis. The ruling AAP government in Delhi has accused the BJP-led Haryana government of not releasing water, exacerbating the crisis in the national capital. Meanwhile, Delhi Water Minister Atishi initiated an indefinite hunger strike in south Delhi’s Bhogal area on Friday to push for more water from Haryana.

The prolonged heatwave sweeping across large parts of the country has resulted in more deaths, with 143 recorded fatalities and 41,789 individuals suspected of suffering from heatstroke between March 1 and June 20 this year, according to PTI.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda directed officials on Thursday to visit central hospitals regularly as long as the heatwave persists. Their task includes ensuring separate arrangements for affected patients and assessing the number of heatstroke-related deaths in recent days.

Delhi’s Scorching Heat Melts ‘Besan Laddos’ Into ‘Cake’ | Viral

June 20, 2024, 1:48 pm

As Delhi faces a relentless heatwave, residents are scrambling to find relief from the scorching temperatures. This has led to numerous social media posts from residents expressing their frustrations and sharing their struggles with the heatwave.

One such viral post is from user Bhumika, who shared a photo of a box containing what appears to be melted brown fluid. Her caption humorously remarked, “Dear, Besan ke laddoo. Welcome to Delhi ki garmi!” indicating that the intense heat in Delhi had caused the solid laddoos to melt into a puddle.

See Post:

Dear, Besan ke laddoo

Welcome to Delhi ki garmi! pic.twitter.com/UxHsnPUbyJ

— Bhumika (@thisisbhumika) June 19, 2024

In response to the post, one user humorously commented, “Besan ke laddu identifying themselves as besan ka halwa.” Another user remarked, “Again this happened?” A third user joked, “This is not Besan ka ladoo, it’s Besan ka Cake.” Another user sympathized, saying, “That’s insanely hot. I wish you Delhiites well!”

Heatwave Alert In Delhi And Noida: Many Deaths Due To Heatstroke

June 19, 2024, 12:50 pm

In the last 72 hours, Delhi has seen five deaths from heatwave and Noida has reported over ten deaths. The temperature keeps rising, causing severe heatwave conditions.

Hospitals Report Many Cases:

Hospitals in Delhi-NCR are crowded with patients suffering from heatstroke. Doctors advise the elderly and those with weak immune systems to stay indoors. Dr. Ritu Saxena from LNJP Hospital says they are getting 8-10 patients every day. Some of these patients need ICU care. “Elderly patients with previous co-morbidities such as diabetes and heart disease, and youngsters indulging in excessive physical activity are suffering more from heat exhaustion,” said Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital.

1. LNJP Hospital: Admitting several serious patients daily.

2. CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram: Seeing 1-2 outpatients daily for heat-related problems, but no severe heatstroke cases yet.

3. Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj: Receiving around 10 heatstroke patients through OPD visits, admitting three daily. (said Dr Mugdha Tapdiya, additional director of Internal Medicine at the medical facility.)

Common Symptoms and Treatment:

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Low fever, Heavy sweating, Fast and strong pulse, Headache, Dizziness, Muscle cramps, Nausea and vomiting, Heat rashes

Most patients recover in 1-2 days. Treatment includes IV fluids, anti-nausea medicine, and cooling the body.

Advice from Doctors:

Doctors like Dr. Tushar Tayal from CK Birla Hospital report more cases of heat exhaustion in the last six weeks. They urge people, especially the elderly and those with health issues, to avoid going out in the heat. Young people who do a lot of physical activity are also at risk.

Delhi’s temperature reached 45.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, 6.4 degrees above normal. The city remains under severe heatwave conditions. People are advised to stay safe, drink plenty of water, and avoid direct sunlight.

‘Delhi is unlivable’ : Residents Express Frustration Over Boiling Tap Water & Malfunctioning ACs During Heatwave

June 19, 2024, 12:44 pm

“It’s so hot right now, just stepping outside for ten minutes feels unbearable. Tap water feels like it’s boiling, and there’s no relief from the heat. It’s almost unlivable,” reads a post from a Delhi-based entrepreneur on the social media platform X. Puneet Siinghal’s post is among thousands of such tweets that have surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) in recent days as the national capital endures one of its hottest summers on record.

The intense heatwave sweeping through northern India has claimed at least five lives in New Delhi this week, according to the Times of India. Since March, temperatures have soared to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in Delhi and the nearby state of Rajasthan. Amidst the high temperatures, the national capital is also facing a water shortage and escalating power consumption, which hit an all-time high on Tuesday. The minimum nighttime temperature reached 33.8 degrees Celsius, the highest for June in six years.

“Delhi is unlivable” has become a frequent and alarming refrain on social media. Many users highlight how Delhi’s extreme summers are compounded by freezing winters, persistent pollution, and water drainage issues during the monsoon season.

Check out some of the tweets lighting up social media:

Delhi NCR has become really unlivable in the last few years.

Pollution ( AQI > 400), winters too cold, summers too hot (45 is average these days),water logging in rainy months.

People who can afford it might prefer moving out in the next few years if it stays the same. ??️

— Akash Mishra (@akash_mishra24) June 19, 2024

Delhi is boiling..most of the cities in north are suffering..
No government plans in near..
It's going worse ahead..

Most unlivable city in India. Extreme cold, extreme heat, most crowded, bad water, top pollution, dusty roads etc.

Can we #SaveDelhi

— Pooja Sankhe (@poojasankhe6) June 18, 2024

I don't think people elsewhere fully grasp what's happening in NCR and just how hot it is. At 7am, the tap water is boiling hot. The sun hurts the eye. There's no night time anymore. For 24 hours the temperature feels above 40C. Which means during night the water is as hot pic.twitter.com/DltRxrgGwq

— Rituparna Chatterjee (@MasalaBai) June 19, 2024

Journalist Rituparna Chatterjee joined the chorus of social media users discussing Delhi’s heatwave. She posted on X, “I don’t think people elsewhere fully grasp what’s happening in NCR and just how hot it is. At 7 am, the tap water is boiling hot. The sun hurts the eyes. There’s no night time anymore. For 24 hours, the temperature feels above 40°C, which means even at night, the water is as hot.”

Delhi has always had harsh summers but this time is something else. It’s so oppressive that walking outside for ten minutes feels impossible. ACs are barely working, tap water is boiling, and there’s no sign of rain. It’s unliveable

— Rahul Sabharwal (@rubberneckin) June 17, 2024

In fact, many Delhi residents have echoed the complaint about tap water being boiling hot.

Amid the ongoing heatwave, Delhi residents reported that their ACs were struggling to provide relief. “Delhi-NCR folks, do you feel any respite from the heat even with the AC on during the day?” questioned a user on X.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist across many parts of North India on Wednesday, gradually easing thereafter due to the approach of a western disturbance towards northwest India.

Have spent almost all of my life in #Delhi and have never experienced such unbearable heat and weather.
It is extremely hot even at 10 in the night and the water coming from the tap, is almost boiling hot.#HeatWave #ClimateChange https://t.co/LHY5hfvCgK

— Krishna Kant Sharma (@krishnakant_75) June 18, 2024

Delhi Anganwadi Centres Closed Until June 30 Due To Heatwave

June 3, 2024, 6:53 pm

Due to the ongoing heat wave conditions in the national capital, the Delhi government has decided to keep all Anganwadi centers closed until June 30. In a post on X, Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot wrote, “Considering the ongoing heat wave in Delhi, it has been decided that all Anganwadi Centres in Delhi will remain closed from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024.”

“For the safety and well-being of the children and pregnant & lactating mothers, Supplementary Nutrition Food items will be delivered directly to beneficiaries’ doorsteps via Take Home Ration (THR), including children aged 3-6 years who usually receive hot cooked meals at the centres. I have directed the Secretary, WCD to ensure compliance of the order and furnish report on a daily basis,” the post further reads.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed the Upper Yamuna River Board to hold an urgent emergency meeting on June 5 with all stakeholder states to address the water crisis in Delhi. The vacation bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan has scheduled a hearing for the Delhi government’s plea for additional water from neighboring Haryana on June 6, requesting the minutes of the meeting and suggestions on steps taken.

Representing the Delhi government, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi highlighted the severe heatwave in Delhi and the necessity of maintaining the water level at the Wazirabad plant.

Earlier on June 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review the ongoing heatwave situation in the country and the preparations for the monsoon at his residence in the national capital. The Prime Minister was informed that, according to IMD forecasts, the heatwave is expected to persist in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.

PM Modi has instructed that regular drills for preventing and handling fire incidents must be conducted. “Fire audit and electrical safety audit of hospitals and other public places must be undertaken regularly,” he instructed.

India Faces Climate Emergency: Heatwave Threatens Agriculture and Spurs Inflation Concerns

June 3, 2024, 12:31 pm

As temperatures in Delhi soar past 50°C for several consecutive days, India finds itself grappling with an undeniable climate emergency. The unprecedented heatwave is not confined to the capital; other regions across the country are also recording their highest temperatures ever, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue severe heat alerts for central and northern India.

Early Warnings Ignored

The signs of this heatwave were apparent as early as March and April. The IMD had forewarned the nation about a severe heatwave extending into June. However, possibly due to the looming elections, the gravity of the situation might have been underplayed. Despite some government meetings addressing the issue, the current scenario has escalated beyond expectations, posing a significant threat to human health, biodiversity, and agriculture.

Human Toll and Health Crisis

The impact on human life is alarming. At least 15 people have succumbed to heat strokes within 24 hours in Bihar and Odisha. Since March 1, 2024, India has reported 16,000 heat stroke cases and 60 deaths. The southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana are particularly hard-hit, with excessive heat placing immense strain on outdoor workers such as construction laborers, food delivery personnel, and farmhands.

The extended heat in urban areas exacerbates the situation. Cities with dense concrete structures retain heat well past sunset, increasing the demand for cooling systems and overloading the power grid. In Allahabad, for instance, the electricity department resorted to using desert coolers to prevent transformers from overheating.

Water Crisis Deepens

Allahabad’s predicament is particularly striking. Despite being located at the confluence of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers, the city’s water consumption has surged, causing a dramatic drop in groundwater levels. This scenario highlights a broader concern for rural areas lacking piped water or tankers, where wells and hand pumps are drying up, leaving humans and livestock desperate for hydration.

Agricultural Impact

Agriculture is on the brink of disaster as 50°C temperatures threaten the current biodiversity and place vulnerable areas, such as the Himalayan ecosystem, at risk. High temperatures could devastate orchard crops like mangoes, guavas, and litchis. Newly planted saplings and young plants, especially in rain-fed or water-scarce areas, face the greatest threat. Additionally, extreme heat accelerates ice melts in eco-sensitive zones, leading to biodiversity loss.

Many commercial seed varieties used in food production lack resilience to high temperatures, potentially leading to diminished harvests. For instance, wheat production in the 2022–23 and 2021–22 seasons was already impacted by erratic weather and heatwaves. If this trend continues, current commercial seeds may become obsolete, and developing new, climate-resilient varieties could take years.

Cyclonic Threats

Further compounding the crisis are cyclonic conditions over the Bay of Bengal. Cyclone Remal recently affected Bangladesh and the Sagar Islands in West Bengal with winds of 110–120 km per hour. Like Cyclone Biparjoy, which hit India’s western coast last year, these cyclones threaten to disrupt the Kharif monsoon, potentially leading to droughts and floods, and exacerbating agricultural losses.

Extreme temperatures are endangering all forms of life and jeopardizing food production. The Indian government must declare a state of climate emergency to mitigate these impacts and prevent further loss of life. In areas where temperatures exceed 50°C, non-essential activities should be minimized, and essential workers must be protected. Local authorities should be empowered to enforce these measures.

Moreover, the government should implement a strategic plan for farmers and closely monitor the monsoon season to prevent another agricultural crisis. Investing in reforestation, coastal mangroves, and other nature-based solutions is crucial to enhancing the nation’s climate resilience.

India stands at a critical juncture, where acknowledging and addressing the climate emergency is imperative for the survival and well-being of its people and ecosystems.

Delhi Heatwave Eases as Cloudy Skies and Gusty Winds Bring Relief

June 1, 2024, 4:04 pm

The residents of Delhi, amidst the ongoing heatwave, experienced a welcome change in weather as cloudy skies and strong winds provided much-needed relief. According to forecasts from the weather department, Delhi is expected to see generally cloudy skies, along with heatwave conditions and the possibility of a dust storm or thunderstorm accompanied by very light rain and gusty winds throughout the day.

Earlier in the day, the humidity level recorded at 8:30 am stood at 27%. The maximum temperature forecasted for the city is around 43 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

In terms of air quality, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was categorized as ‘poor’, with a reading of 239 at 9 am, based on data from the Central Pollution Control Board. The AQI scale ranges from zero to 500, with values up to 50 considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.

The change in weather conditions brought a sense of relief to Delhiites, offering respite from the scorching heat and high levels of humidity. However, residents are advised to stay indoors if possible and take necessary precautions, especially in light of the ongoing heatwave conditions and fluctuating air quality.

From Delhi to Iran: Record-Breaking Heatwaves Sweep the Globe

June 1, 2024, 3:38 pm

As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, unprecedented heat waves are affecting cities worldwide. The Indian capital is not alone in battling extreme temperatures. In July 2022, the United Kingdom, traditionally known for its cool and temperate climate, experienced a historic heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Europe has also faced record-breaking heat. Sicily, Italy, recorded a scorching 48.8 degrees Celsius in 2021, marking the highest temperature ever documented on the continent. Meanwhile, northwest China endured an extreme weather event last year, with a town reporting temperatures of 52 degrees Celsius.

Iran experienced one of the most severe heatwaves in recent history. In July 2023, temperatures soared to an unprecedented 66 degrees Celsius, underscoring the escalating impact of global warming on weather patterns across the globe.

Heatwave in Delhi, North India

Delhi is now among the regions experiencing record-breaking temperatures, often exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. On Wednesday (May 29), the temperature in parts of Delhi reportedly reached 52.9 degrees Celsius, marking the highest ever recorded in India. At least, 61 people have been killed due to heat waves in different parts of India, as reported by The Hindu.

What is a heatwave?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a heatwave as a “period of unusually high temperature as compared to what is normally expected.” A heatwave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for plains and at least 30°C or more for hilly regions. According to experts, multiple alterations in the atmosphere and oceans result in heatwaves. Notably, the IMD provides colour-coded heatwave warning information through its daily bulletins and a GIS-based visualization platform.

Delhi Heatwave: First Heat Casualty Reported as City Swelters at 49.2°C

May 31, 2024, 1:53 pm

Delhi continued to experience extreme heat for the sixth consecutive day, with temperatures reaching heatwave to severe heatwave levels despite a slight drop in temperature.

Narela in north Delhi was the hottest area, recording 49.2 degrees Celsius, while Mayur Vihar in east Delhi had the lowest temperature among the forty-degree range at 45.2 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is still investigating the record-breaking 52.9 degrees Celsius reported at the automatic weather station in Mungeshpur on Wednesday.

“The 52.9 degrees Celsius recorded at the automatic weather station in Mungeshpur is being examined. We will soon be able to explain if it was the fault of a sensor or not,” an IMD official said. On Thursday, Mungeshpur and Najafgarh in west Delhi both recorded 49 degrees Celsius.

A slight decrease in maximum temperature is expected on Friday due to moisture-laden north-westerly winds, though rising humidity will likely increase discomfort. On Thursday, Delhi experienced dry and hot westerly winds.

“The city is already receiving components of the north-westerly winds, which will increase towards Friday evening. So, there are chances of a marginal drop in the maximum temperature on Friday, but discomfort will rise as the day will be both hot and humid. Towards the evening, there will be some relief with the possibility of quick cooling because of a thunderstorm and isolated light rain,” an IMD official said.

Safdarjung, Delhi’s base station, faced a heatwave for the fifth consecutive day, recording a maximum temperature of 45.6 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal. The minimum temperature was 30.4 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal. On Wednesday, Safdarjung recorded the year’s highest temperature and the station’s second-highest ever at 46.8 degrees Celsius.

A heatwave is defined when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5 degrees above normal, or if it surpasses 45 degrees Celsius. A severe heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is 6.5 degrees or more above normal.

On Thursday, the heat index or “feel-like” temperature was 44 degrees Celsius due to dry winds. Temperatures at several locations began to rise early, with Narela reaching 46 degrees by 11:30 am.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for a heatwave on Friday, with the potential for thunderstorms and light rain in the evening. The maximum and minimum temperatures at Safdarjung are expected to be around 44 and 29 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The city continued to experience poor air quality, with the AQI at 227 on Thursday, slightly better than the 238 recorded the previous day.

After Delhi Hits 52.3°C, Nagpur Scorches At 56°C; IMD Issues Heat Warning

May 31, 2024, 11:10 am

In a remarkable occurrence, Mungeshpur, located in northwest Delhi, recorded an unprecedented maximum temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, setting a new record for the capital city. This temperature was measured at the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Mungeshpur village, which also functions as an automatic weather station (AWS).

Among the four AWS established by the IMD in Nagpur, two showed extraordinarily high temperatures, exceeding 50 degrees Celsius and surpassing the 52.3 degrees Celsius recorded at the Mungeshpur AWS in northwest Delhi on Wednesday. The Delhi station made headlines nationwide by posting an astonishing 52.9 degrees Celsius, though the AWS/ARG (automatic rain gauge) Networks of the IMD have placed the Mungeshpur data under review.

The Nagpur AWS, situated in a 24-hectare open agricultural field belonging to PDKV at Ramdaspeth near North Ambazari Road, recorded an extraordinary 56 degrees Celsius. The AWS at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Sonegaon also recorded a temperature of 54 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the AWS in the fields of the Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR) at Khapri near Wardha Road registered 44 degrees Celsius, and the Ramtek AWS reported 44 degrees Celsius as well.

Following the alarming temperature in Delhi, which is considered the highest maximum temperature in India, the AWS/ARG networks are again under scrutiny. Regional meteorological officials caution against relying on AWS data during extreme heat days, as the sensors tend to malfunction beyond 38 degrees Celsius. A senior forecasting scientist at the RMC explained, “The AWS sensors have a fault. After a certain threshold temperature, the recordings become unreliable. They work fine for temperatures below 38-40 degrees. This is called positive bias in scientific parlance. The expansion of requisite elements needs to be linear. But the process loses its linearity in high temperatures.”

A recent study by VNIT’s climatology lab found that maximum temperatures in the city vary significantly, influenced by factors such as densely populated areas, open spaces with greenery, and open areas without vegetation. This study noted that Nagpur has distinct local climate zones, each with differing temperature readings.

During a visit to the PDKV AWS, situated between Maharajbagh Zoo and Vanamati, TOI observed that temperatures in the open field seemed higher than those near the greenery of Maharajbagh Road. The AWS sensors were exposed to direct sunlight without any surrounding greenery.

A senior RMC official pointed out that AWS sensors are imported from European countries, where temperatures do not reach the extremes seen in Indian cities. ML Sahu, deputy director of RMC, stated that the daily weather updates prepared for public use are manually compiled by scientists and considered more reliable. “Four mercury-based thermometers are used to record the daily temperature. A dry mercury bulb is used for current temperature and a wet bulb is used for ascertaining humidity. The temperature area is closed and only air passes through it,” Sahu said.

The AWS data is transmitted to the Pune data centre, where the information is decoded and uploaded to the AWS/ARG Networks portal in real time.

RML Hospital Adopts Special Measures Amid Delhi Heatwave to Tackle Heatstroke Patients

May 31, 2024, 9:43 am

Amidst the heatwave in Delhi, RML Hospital has implemented special measures to effectively handle heatstroke patients.

Dr. Seema Balkrishna Wasnik, Head of Emergency Medicine at RML, outlined the urgent care procedures, including the use of inflatable tubs filled with ice for heatstroke patients.

“At RML hospital, if any patient (of heat stroke) comes in critical situation he is taken to the red zone, intubated, we have inflatable tubs. We can still put the patient on a ventilator and also in the bathtub filled with ice and cold water and bring down the temperature simultaneously,” she explained.

Wasnik stressed the importance of swift treatment, noting, “The treatment of heatstroke should be started as soon as possible; otherwise, the mortality goes up to 80 per cent and if we manage the patient early, the mortality can go as down as 10 per cent.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius at 41 locations across the country on May 30. In Delhi, Safdarjung recorded 45.6°C, Palam 46.4°C, Ridge 46.7°C, and Ayanagar reached 47.0°C.

The IMD forecasted a gradual reduction in heatwave conditions over Northwest and Central India from May 30. It also predicted hot and humid weather in isolated parts of Konkan and Goa on May 30 and 31.

According to IMD data, maximum temperatures were significantly above normal in several places over Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on May 28.

Earlier, the IMD addressed the maximum temperature of over 52 degrees Celsius recorded in Delhi on Wednesday, attributing it to a possible error in the sensor or local factors. The organization stated that it is investigating the data and sensors.

Heat Wave In India: What Is Pushing Mercury To Extremes?

May 30, 2024, 6:07 pm

Indian cities are sweltering under an unprecedented heatwave, with a provisional record temperature of 52.3°C registered in Delhi. If verified, it would be the highest-ever recorded temperature in India. This week alone, over 37 cities across north and central India have recorded temperatures exceeding 45°C. But what is a heatwave, and what is pushing the mercury to extremes?

What is a heatwave?

El Niño and La Niña Effects

The twin effects of El Niño and La Niña are climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean that can affect weather worldwide. During normal conditions in the Pacific Ocean, trade winds blow west along the equator, taking warm water from South America towards Asia. To replace that warm water, cold water rises from the depths—a process called upwelling. El Niño and La Niña are two opposing climate patterns that disrupt these normal conditions, as described by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

El Niño is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and is responsible for extreme heat this year. In contrast, La Niña is the cooling of water in the Pacific Ocean. While it occurs at irregular intervals, La Niña is associated with widespread changes in weather patterns.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Another contributor is the urban heat island effect, which occurs when urban regions or cities record higher temperatures than their rural surroundings. Primarily, human activities and constructions like glass buildings, asphalt roads, and other infrastructure contribute to this effect as they absorb heat much more than natural landscapes.

Prevailing heat wave to severe heat wave conditions over Northwest & Central India likely to reduce gradually from today. pic.twitter.com/KmoUuQM6JH

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 30, 2024

Scorching Heatwave: Cities Break Records In India, Temperatures Exceed 50 Degrees Celsius

May 30, 2024, 2:32 pm

As a relentless heatwave grips northern India, numerous cities have experienced temperatures soaring above 50 degrees Celsius, breaking records and straining the endurance of millions.

In Delhi, the national capital, a weather station briefly reported a staggering 52.9 degrees Celsius, sending shockwaves through newsrooms nationwide. This reading, however, has yet to be confirmed as official. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials indicated that the temperature at Mungeshpur might have resulted from “sensor error or localized factors,” as it was almost 4 degrees higher than other stations, with the next highest being 49.1 degrees Celsius at Najafgarh. The IMD has dispatched a team to Mungeshpur to investigate.

In Churu, Rajasthan, a temperature of 50.5 degrees Celsius was recorded on Tuesday, marking the highest of the season so far and highlighting the “unprecedented” heatwave conditions across northern India.

Phalodi, also in Rajasthan, saw temperatures soar to 50 degrees Celsius last week. This extreme heat challenged millions, including voters in the sixth phase of the ongoing general elections. According to the IMD, this is the highest temperature recorded in the country since June 1, 2019, when Churu registered a scorching 50.8 degrees Celsius.

In Sirsa, Haryana, the maximum temperature reached 50.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday amid the heatwave. In Haryana, temperatures exceeded 44 degrees Celsius at 18 stations during peak hours, straining the electrical infrastructure.

Delhi Heatwave Claims First Victim: Factory Worker Dies Of Heat Stroke At RML Hospital

May 30, 2024, 12:02 pm

With temperatures in Delhi hitting an unprecedented high in the last 80 years, the ongoing heat wave has started claiming lives. A 40-year-old man from Darbhanga, Bihar, succumbed to a heat stroke at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital.

The victim worked at a factory producing pipeline fittings. Doctors reported that he was brought in by his roommate and other factory workers just past midnight on Monday. “He was living in a room with no cooler or fan and developed a very high fever,” said a doctor attending to him. “His body temperature shot up above 107 degrees Fahrenheit.”

The deceased had been working in Delhi for the past five years.

Due to the escalating temperatures, RML Hospital had set up a special Heat Stroke Unit on May 8, where the patient was admitted immediately upon arrival. “He remained in the unit till Tuesday evening. He was shifted to the ward on Wednesday morning. His condition suddenly deteriorated. He died around 3 pm,” the doctor explained.

Dr. Ajay Chauhan, Professor of Internal Medicine at RML Hospital and head of the Heat Stroke Unit, noted that 6-7 patients had been admitted to the unit in the past week. “Two of them (patients) are still admitted. One of them was a case of heat exhaustion,” he said.

Chauhan highlighted that these patients are primarily from low-income groups. Among them is a worker from a plastic pellet manufacturing company and another individual living on the top floor of a house without an AC or cooler.

He mentioned that the second patient had “a very high body temperature.” “When he arrived at the hospital, he was completely disoriented.”

Doctors explain that heat stroke occurs when the body cannot regulate its rising temperature, causing the cooling mechanism through sweating to fail. Heat exhaustion, however, occurs when the body overheats but continues to sweat.

On Monday, another heat stroke patient was brought to RML Hospital’s Heat Stroke Unit from Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital. His condition was serious, and he was immediately put on a ventilator. “He has now been shifted out of the unit,” said Dr. Amlendu Yadav, a Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at RML.

“There was a 25-year-old patient who was travelling in a bus at noon when the temperatures are generally very high. She suffered a heat stroke three days ago. She was lucky to get timely treatment and has been discharged now,” Dr. Chauhan said.

Doctors at the unit said they have treated “classic cases of heat stroke.” There are two types of heat stroke, one doctor explained: “Exertional heat is generally because of physical overexertion in hot, humid conditions and can develop within few hours.” Classic heat stroke cases occur “due to age or underlying health conditions.”

Meanwhile, Safdarjung Hospital has set up giant desert coolers on the ground floor of its Emergency building. The hospital’s Public Relations Officer mentioned that four suspected heat stroke patients have been treated in the past week. However, a senior doctor in the Emergency Medicine department reported seeing almost 20 cases in his clinic in the same period. “They were patients of all age groups… office-goers, labourers, and even sportspersons,” he said. “We are also witnessing an increase in the number of children suffering from dehydration… there is an increase in diarrhoea and loose motion cases as well,” he added.

In Northwest Delhi’s Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital, one heat stroke case was reported, while Central Delhi’s Lady Hardinge Medical College saw a suspected case.

Private hospitals have mainly reported cases of heat exhaustion. Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said these patients often complain of heat cramps, muscle cramps, and tiredness. “Almost one-fourth of patients I’ve seen have reported these issues,” he noted, adding that the patients are mostly bike riders, security guards, and those working in shaded but hot areas.

Dr. Rommel Tickoo, Director of Internal Medicine at Max Superspeciality Hospital, mentioned seeing cases of mild heat exhaustion but not heat strokes. “Almost 15-20% of patients in the OPD reported symptoms of heat exhaustion in the last week,” he said.

Dr. Tushar Tayal, lead consultant at the Department of Internal Medicine at C K Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, reported seeing only 2-3 cases of mild heat exhaustion.

Delhi ‘Orange Alert’: IMD Warns of Potential Heatwave

May 30, 2024, 9:20 am

As Delhiites prepare for Thursday, May 30, the regional weather office has issued a cautionary note for Delhi, an ‘Orange Alert’, signaling the likelihood of a shift in weather dynamics. While partly cloudy skies are on the horizon, residents are advised to remain vigilant as potential heatwave conditions persist in certain pockets of the capital city.

In a notable update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) regional office has downgraded its alert status from ‘red’ to ‘orange’ for Thursday, suggesting a slight moderation in temperatures. However, the forecast indicates a chance of thunderstorms, accompanied by light rain or drizzle and gusty winds ranging from 25 to 35 kmph.

The regional meteorological center in New Delhi has underscored the possibility of localized heatwave conditions, even as temperatures are expected to dip by 2°C to 3°C. Anticipating a maximum temperature of around 45°C, Delhiites are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about evolving weather conditions.

Cloudy weather is projected to persist until June 1, with the likelihood of precipitation diminishing until June 4. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre at IMD, shared insights with ANI, stating, “For Thursday, we have issued a Delhi Orange Alert, with a predicted 2-3 degrees reduction in temperature. On May 31st and June 1st, due to western disturbances, there is a possibility of thunderstorms and lightning in Delhi-NCR and the entire Northwest region. By June 1st, there will be a 3-4 degrees reduction in temperature.”

As Delhiites prepare for the fluctuating weather patterns ahead, it is imperative to stay abreast of weather advisories and undertake necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks associated with extreme weather conditions.

Severe Heatwave Alert in Delhi as Temperatures Soar to 48 Degrees

May 27, 2024, 9:17 am

Delhi is facing a severe heatwave alert, with temperatures soaring to 48 degrees Celsius in some areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that these extreme heatwave conditions will continue until June 3. In Mungeshpur, a locality in the national capital, the temperature reached a scorching 48.3 degrees, marking the highest temperature recorded in Delhi.

Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar stated, “Delhi NCR will face heatwave to severe heatwave today. At some stations, temperatures may reach 47 degrees. The temperature will remain the same for the next three days. After that, there may be some relief. There is no rain forecast for the next 4-5 days. After that, there may be rain in the Himalayas due to western disturbance, and there may be a cloudy atmosphere in Northern India.”

The severe heatwave alert extends to other northern parts of the country, with Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh also expected to endure these harsh conditions over the next few days. The IMD predicts no immediate relief from the heatwave, urging residents to take precautions.

To cope with the severe heatwave alert, residents are advised to wear light, loose-fitting clothes to avoid excessive sweating and stay cool. Queues outside polling booths can be long, so wearing light colors to prevent direct absorption of heat is recommended. Loose clothes will help your skin breathe amid the warm weather.

Staying hydrated is crucial during this severe heatwave alert. Carrying a water bottle and drinks like Glucon-D can help prevent dehydration. It is also advised to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can cause dizziness and dehydration despite proper hydration. Instead, opt for light drinks like juice or Roohafza.

Avoiding makeup can also help during the severe heatwave alert, as makeup can close pores and make it harder for your skin to breathe, leading to dehydration and trapped body heat. Going natural can help keep your skin cool.

Using umbrellas and wearing caps can provide shade and protect against direct sun exposure during the severe heatwave alert. Wearing sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Eating light meals with high water content, such as cucumber, lettuce, and strawberries, can help keep you hydrated and cool.

Delhi and other northern regions are bracing for continued severe heatwave conditions. The public is urged to follow these precautions to stay safe and healthy amid the extreme heat.

Delhi Heatwave: IMD Issues ‘Red Alert’ For Today

May 19, 2024, 11:34 am

Delhi-NCR is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 45°C at several weather stations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued ‘red’ and ‘orange’ alerts due to the record-breaking temperatures, which are exacerbated by dry, hot westerly winds, direct sunlight, and poor air quality. The IMD is closely monitoring the situation.

Heatwave in Delhi-NCR

For the second consecutive day, Delhi-NCR remained under a heatwave as temperatures soared past 45°C at 10 stations on Saturday. Mungeshpur in northwest Delhi recorded the highest temperature at 46.8°C.

The heatwave is expected to persist into the next week, with maximum temperatures predicted to hover around 45°C for the coming seven days. Some stations may even see temperatures rise by one to two degrees.

The IMD has issued a ‘red’ alert for Sunday and an ‘orange’ alert from May 20 to 22.

Temperature Exceeds 45°C at Multiple Stations

On Saturday, temperatures crossed 45°C at 10 weather stations in and around the city. The IMD, while issuing a red alert, warned that “there is a very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heat stroke in all ages” on Sunday.

Safdarjung, the city’s base station, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.7°C on Saturday, three degrees above normal and the highest this season so far. On Friday, Safdarjung reported a temperature of 43.6°C.

Temperatures at other stations included 45.5°C at Ridge in north Delhi, 45.2°C at Ayanagar, 45°C in Gurgaon, 45.8°C in Faridabad, 45.6°C at Jafarpur in southwest Delhi, 46.8°C in Mungeshpur, 46.7°C in Najafgarh, 45.6°C in Noida, 46.1°C in Pitampura, and 46°C in Pusa. On Friday, Najafgarh was the hottest station in the country at 47.4°C.

Criteria for Heatwave and Severe Heatwave

According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches 45°C or above. Additionally, a heatwave day is noted when the maximum temperature is 4.5 degrees or more above normal and at least 40°C. A ‘severe’ heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is 6.5 degrees or more above normal.

Causes and Historical Data

Met officials attribute the high temperatures to dry and hot westerly winds, direct sunlight, and a lack of moisture. “As per Delhi’s climatology, the peak temperature is recorded during this time of the year,” said an official. IMD data shows that on May 15, 2022, Mungeshpur recorded a temperature of 49.2°C.

“Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over the plains of northwest India, including Delhi, during the next five days,” stated the IMD in its bulletin.

The IMD advises people to avoid heat exposure, stay cool, and drink plenty of water even if they are not thirsty.

In summer 2023, Safdarjung did not experience a heatwave, although some stations did for 3-5 days. The year 2022 had the longest streak of heatwaves, with nine days in April and four in May at Safdarjung.

Air Quality

The minimum temperature on Saturday was 27.1°C, one degree above normal. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category for the fifth consecutive day. The air quality index (AQI) was 261 on Saturday, compared to 231 the previous day. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, part of the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, noted that calm, light winds were blowing in the city at night.

The AQI is expected to stay in the ‘poor’ category for the next seven days.