Intense heatwave grips North India; Delhi, UP, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand and J-K burning
PTC Web Desk: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab as an intense heatwave continues to grip the region. Over the past week, temperatures have soared above 46 degrees Celsius across north India, affecting states such as Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Jharkhand. In Bihar, the severe heat and high humidity have led to the tragic deaths of 22 persons within the last 24 hours.
In the national capital, New Delhi, the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 45 degrees Celsius, significantly higher than the typical June average by over 6 degrees. The IMD reported that the heat index, or feels-like temperature, in Delhi surged to an astonishing 50 degrees Celsius on Monday, exacerbating the discomfort and health risks for residents. The intense heat also caused operational issues, such as the delay of a Delhi to West Bengal IndiGo flight by over three hours due to a technical snag attributed to high ground temperatures.
The heatwave has also extended to hill states and other regions. In Uttarakhand, Dehradun recorded a maximum temperature of 43.1 degrees Celsius, while Mussoorie saw temperatures rise to 43 degrees Celsius. Other hill towns like Pauri and Nainital have also been affected, experiencing heatwave conditions after three months of minimal rainfall.
Himachal Pradesh has not been spared, with temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius, which is 6.7 degrees above the seasonal average. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir have seen record highs, with Katra hitting 40.8 degrees Celsius and Jammu experiencing 44.3 degrees Celsius. In Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj reported a scorching 47.6 degrees Celsius.
Today, Heatwave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed in most parts of Punjab & Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi and Uttar Pradesh; in some parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Bihar, north Madhya Pradesh; at isolated pockets over Odisha. pic.twitter.com/rvsxopk69x
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 17, 2024
Despite the soaring temperatures, there is some hope for relief. The IMD forecasts slight respite for the national capital starting Wednesday, with scattered rains and duststorms expected to provide temporary relief. However, former IMD Director General KJ Ramesh indicated that significant relief might be delayed. He explained that a shift in winds from the Arabian Sea has postponed the cooling down of the plains.
Ramesh further said the stagnation of the monsoon over West Bengal since June 1 has contributed to the prolonged heatwave in north India. As long as the monsoon does not progress, the region will continue to suffer from extreme heat conditions.
Weather Predictions
While some intermittent relief might be experienced in Delhi due to duststorms and scattered showers, these will only provide temporary respite, lasting a few hours or half a day. According to the weather office, a fresh western disturbance is expected to approach northwest India after Wednesday. This will affect the national capital and surrounding regions, potentially bringing more consistent relief from the intense heat.
However, real abatement of the heatwave will occur only with the arrival of the monsoon, which is expected to take more than 12 days to reach Delhi. Post-June 27, significant relief is anticipated for most areas of Uttar Pradesh, followed by western UP, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab.