The national capital continued to endure an intense heatwave on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for the region.
The heat index, or the feels-like temperature, in Delhi soared to 50 degrees Celsius on Monday, according to the IMD. Residents of Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad struggled to cope with the extreme heat, leading to an increase in heat-related illnesses and hospital visits. The weather data indicates a brief respite on June 19 and 20, but temperatures are expected to rise back to 45 degrees shortly thereafter.
While North India grapples with the scorching heat, some regions have experienced temporary relief due to rain. Heavy rainfall in Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh has brought down temperatures. Similarly, Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh and Bhubaneswar in Odisha have seen cooler weather following heavy rains. Hyderabad, Telangana, also reported significant rainfall, providing some respite from the heat.
In contrast, the northeastern states are experiencing heavy rains, leading to severe flooding. Assam, along with neighboring states Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, has seen continuous downpours, exacerbating the flood situation. Over 309 villages in 14 districts of Assam are submerged, affecting more than 100,000 people. Districts like Karimganj, Bongaigaon, and Lakhimpur are among the hardest hit, with thousands seeking refuge in relief camps.
The Kopili River in Nagaon, Assam, is flowing above the danger mark, adding to the flood woes. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and strong winds in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Sikkim over the next five days, potentially worsening the flood situation.