Record heatwave across India

New Delhi, May 26:  There is a record heatwave across the country with the maximum temperatures reaching over 48 degrees Celsius in Delhi’s Mungeshpur, a locality in the national capital.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), “Heatwave occurred at most places and severe heat waves occurred at some places in Delhi. Mungeshpur recorded the highest temperature of 48.3 degrees Celsius.”

Earlier, senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said, "Delhi NCR will face a 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."

Meanwhile, heatwave conditions are expected to continue in the northern parts of the country in the next three to four days. The India Meteorological Department said severe heatwave conditions would continue in Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and other northern parts of the country for the next few days.

Speaking to ANI, Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said, "The maximum temperature was in West Rajasthan's Phalodi, 51 degrees. The next 3-4 days will be the same in Rajasthan and we have issued a Red Alert. After that, there will be a gradual decrease in temperature. In Haryana too, we have issued a Red Alert... For Punjab, there is an orange alert for 2 days and then a red alert is issued."

In a post on X, IMD said, "Heatwave to severe heat wave is very likely over many parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh on 27th May 2024 and heat wave is very likely over isolated places over East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Gujarat."

Meanwhile, doctors have advised people to cope with heatwaves, calling people to keep themselves hydrated.

After the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heatwave alert for Rajasthan, Dr Deepak Maheshwari, Principal and Senior Cardiologist at S M S Medical College in Jaipur shared tips on how to protect oneself from heatwaves and rising temperatures.

With soaring heat, Dr Deepak Maheshwari advised people to avoid getting out of the house during peak hours, covering body parts and staying hydrated to battle the blazing heat wave.

Speaking with ANI, Dr Deepak Maheshwari said, "So far, minor illness cases including diarrhoea, heat cramps, and exhaustion are coming. Patients with major illnesses are not coming now."

Dr Maheshwari further said, "Do not go in direct sunlight, if very necessary, go out of the house with a covered head or body and keep a water bottle with you. Keep consuming substances like lemonade, buttermilk and electrolytes, so that there is no shortage of water in the body.

Advising elderly people and children, Dr Maheshwari said, "Children and elderly people should avoid going out in the open. People suffering from blood pressure, diabetes, and any chronic illness should take care of their health."

Amid the intense heatwave conditions prevailing over Rajasthan, the highest maximum temperature was recorded over Phalodi in West Rajasthan at 51 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an alert because of the severe heatwave conditions, forecasting that it will continue to affect the region in the next two to three days.

Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said, "The maximum temperature was in West Rajasthan's Phalodi, 51 degrees. The next 3-4 days will be the same in Rajasthan and we have issued a Red Alert. After that, there will be a gradual decrease in temperature. In Haryana too, we have issued a Red Alert... For Punjab, there is an orange alert for 2 days and then a red alert is issued."

Earlier on Saturday, according to the IMD, Jaisalmer recorded 48.0 degrees Celsius, Bikaner 47.2 degrees Celsius, Churu 47.0 degrees Celsius, Jodhpur 46.9 degrees Celsius, Ganganagar 46.5 degrees Celsius, Kota 46.3 degrees Celsius, and Jaipur 43.8 degrees Celsius.

According to the observation recorded at 1730 IST on Saturday, the maximum temperature has been recorded as a severe heat wave in most of the places in the Chhotapur, Bikaner, and Kota divisions. Warm nights have been recorded at most places in the Choipur division and some places in Udaipur and Bikaner.

Also, the IMD on its official X handle issued a heatwave alert for Rajasthan and said, "Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions very likely in many parts of West Rajasthan, a few parts of Punjab, East Rajasthan, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh, and heatwave conditions very likely in isolated pockets of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha on May 29, 2024.