The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ for parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh, warning of severe heatwave conditions over the next five days. Maximum daytime temperatures in several districts of these states are expected to soar above 47°C.
Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar stated, “Temperatures are currently above normal across North West India, and we had issued a red alert for the region over the past 2-3 days.” He further added that Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana are likely to experience rising temperatures, with a marginal drop due to a prevailing western disturbance.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh has also been placed under a red alert for the next five days, with an orange alert issued for northern parts of Madhya Pradesh. However, some respite is expected in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with heavy to very heavy rains predicted over the next 2-3 days.
With the red alert in place, health experts caution against outdoor activities, particularly between 11 am and 4 pm, to avoid health complications such as rashes, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat strokes. Dr. Neeraj Nishchal from AIIMS, Delhi, emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and wearing lightweight clothing during peak hours.
To mitigate the impact of the heatwave, experts advise staying indoors during peak hours, staying hydrated, and wearing suitable clothing when outdoors. These precautions aim to minimize health risks associated with extreme heat conditions.
