The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, warning of a severe heat wave that is expected to grip several northern states over the next four days. According to senior scientist R.K. Jenamani, the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi are likely to experience scorching temperatures ranging from 43 to 45 degrees Celsius.
The return of the intense heat wave has prompted authorities to take necessary precautions and advise residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. “The severe heat wave has started again and will mainly persist in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi,” cautioned Dr. Jenamani, emphasizing the potential severity of the situation.
The heat wave is not limited to the northern region alone. Punjab, Haryana, and Bihar are also expected to endure sweltering conditions for three to four days next week, with temperatures soaring above normal levels. In Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, the IMD has predicted a “heat wave pattern” that will last for three to four days, putting a strain on power grids and public health resources.
Jharkhand has already taken proactive measures by closing schools from kindergarten to class 12 until the 15th of this month due to the severe heat wave conditions. The IMD has issued red alerts in most districts of the state, where temperatures have crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark.
While the heat wave intensifies in the northern and eastern parts of the country, the southwestern region is bracing for heavy rainfall. The weather department has reported progress in the monsoon’s advancement, with Vidarbha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall today and tomorrow.
Amidst the escalating weather challenges, the central government has dispatched an inter-ministerial team to survey the damage caused by hailstorms, storms, and floods due to Cyclone Remal in Senapati district of Manipur. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.