As summer intensifies across India, the Centre has issued a fresh advisory to states, urging them to prepare for extreme heat conditions and to ensure that healthcare systems are ready for a potential rise in heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a significant increase in heatwave days this year, particularly in northwest India.
With temperatures already surpassing 40 degrees Celsius in multiple regions, the government has emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to address the risks associated with extreme heat. The advisory highlights the need for preparedness to mitigate the impacts of the rising temperatures across the country.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has formally communicated with all states, stressing the need to implement ‘Heat-Health’ action plans. These plans include setting up heatstroke management units, ensuring emergency preparedness for severe heat-related illnesses, and guaranteeing the availability of drinking water at all health facilities. The Centre has also directed states to maintain the proper functioning of cooling appliances in critical healthcare areas to prevent heat-induced fatalities.
Delhi has emerged as one of the hottest cities in the country, with temperatures reaching 40.5 degrees Celsius, according to IMD data. The Ridge area recorded 40.1 degrees Celsius, which is 6.3 degrees higher than the normal range. On Thursday, the national capital’s minimum temperature stood at 19.5 degrees Celsius, surpassing the seasonal average by 1.4 degrees.
Maharashtra is also experiencing intense heat, with multiple cities crossing the 40-degree mark. Akola recorded the state’s highest temperature at 42.0 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal range by three degrees. Other cities like Brahmapuri, Chandrapur, Jalgaon, Amravati, and Nagpur saw maximum temperatures between 40.0 and 41.9 degrees Celsius.
Madhya Pradesh witnessed a similar trend, with Hoshangabad reaching 40.9 degrees Celsius, marking a 3.9-degree departure from normal. Shivpuri recorded 40.0 degrees Celsius, 5.7 degrees above the usual range. Other regions like Damoh, Guna, and Nowgong also reported temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius, with deviations between 4.1 and 4.6 degrees.
In Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj registered 41.6 degrees Celsius, while Jhansi saw 41.1 degrees Celsius, marking a 5.2-degree increase. Kanpur recorded 40.0 degrees Celsius. In Rajasthan, Chittorgarh reported 40.5 degrees Celsius.
Chhattisgarh and Telangana are also grappling with high temperatures. Rajnandgaon recorded 41.0 degrees Celsius, a staggering 7.8-degree increase. Nizamabad in Telangana reported 40.1 degrees Celsius, while Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh recorded 40.0 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has warned that North India, including Delhi and its surrounding areas, could experience an additional temperature rise of 1-2 degrees Celsius in the coming days. A heatwave alert has been issued for parts of Odisha, with a predicted temperature increase of 2-4 degrees Celsius over the next three days. The IMD has placed Sambalpur and Boudh districts under a ‘Yellow’ alert for Friday, urging residents to be cautious. Similar warnings have been extended to Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Bolangir, and Kalahandi districts for Saturday, and to Bargarh and Sundargarh for Sunday.
With the mercury soaring, authorities are urging citizens to take necessary precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat. The government is closely monitoring the situation and working with states to ensure preparedness in tackling the challenges posed by the scorching summer ahead.
