Amid rising temperatures in North India, the national capital Delhi recorded a scorching maximum temperature of 47.4 degrees Celsius, the highest in the country on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe heatwave alerts for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Chandigarh, forecasting that these conditions will persist for the next five days.
North India Swelters Under Intense Heat
Delhi’s peak power demand surged to a record high for May due to the extreme heat. In response, the Delhi government has mandated immediate commencement of summer vacations for all private and government-aided schools. The Directorate of Education has declared summer break from May 11 to June 30 for this academic year.
In Himachal Pradesh, the State Education Department has adjusted school timings for classes 1 to 12 to cope with the heatwave. Schools will now operate from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, with local authorities empowered to make further adjustments based on local conditions. Staff and teachers have been instructed to provide two breaks and ensure adequate water arrangements for students.
Rajasthan reported a heatwave-related fatality in Kota, where a 44-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh succumbed to the extreme heat. Pilani in Jhunjhunu district recorded the state’s highest temperature at 46.6 degrees Celsius.
Jammu, experiencing its hottest day of the season with a maximum temperature of 42.2 degrees Celsius, has also adjusted school timings to provide relief to students. Schools in Jammu’s summer zones will now operate from 8 am to noon.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration declared summer vacations for students in classes 9 to 12 due to severe heatwave conditions. The district had already announced holidays for students up to class 8. Noida recorded a maximum temperature of 45.6 degrees Celsius, with the heatwave expected to continue for the next four days.
Southern India Faces Heavy Rainfall
While North India battles severe heat, parts of South India are experiencing heavy rainfall. Kerala is under a heavy rainfall warning, with the IMD issuing a “red alert” for the districts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Idukki on Tuesday and Wednesday. Continuous rainfall has prompted the state government to activate emergency operations across all districts due to the risk of landslides and epidemics.
Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are also likely to experience isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.5-204.5 mm) on Tuesday, leading the IMD to issue an “orange alert” for these regions.
Summary of Weather Alerts
North India:
Delhi: Maximum temperature reached 47.4°C, severe heatwave alert.
Himachal Pradesh: School timings adjusted due to heatwave.
Rajasthan: Heatwave fatality in Kota; Pilani hottest at 46.6°C.
Jammu: Hottest day of the season at 42.2°C, adjusted school timings.
Uttar Pradesh (Noida): Summer vacations declared for classes 9-12.
South India:
Kerala: Red alert for heavy rainfall in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Idukki.
Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal: Orange alert for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall.
These weather extremes highlight the diverse climatic challenges India faces, with severe heatwaves in the north and heavy rainfall in the south. The IMD continues to monitor conditions closely and issue necessary alerts to safeguard public health and safety.
Edited by Megha Chaubey (Environmental Impact Asses. Expert)
[…] experts have warned residents of the affected northern regions against stepping outdoors, especially between 11 am and 4 pm. Dr. Neeraj Nishchal, professor at the […]