IMD issues heatwave warning for Punjab & Haryana: Infants, elderly and chronically ill at risk as temperatures to soar further
Heatwave warning: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded the alarm as heatwave conditions are expected to intensify over northwest India in the coming days, particularly impacting Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. A fresh heatwave spell is also anticipated to sweep across east and central India from May 18 onwards.
An orange alert has been issued for Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi. Experts have flagged “high health concern” for vulnerable populations, including infants, elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. The IMD has warned of an increased risk of heat-related ailments among those exposed to prolonged sunlight or engaged in strenuous activities.
Severe heatwave conditions are expected in certain parts of west Rajasthan from May 17 to 20, and in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi from May 18 to 20, with temperatures expected to soar up to 45 degrees Celsius in the national capital by Saturday.
A yellow alert has also been issued for east Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha. The IMD’s earlier predictions had indicated a higher-than-normal number of heatwave days in the northern plains and central India for May.
Typically, the northern plains, central India, and adjacent regions of peninsular India experience approximately three days of heatwaves in May. However, April witnessed record-breaking maximum temperatures in east, northeast, and southern peninsular India, prompting health advisories from government agencies and the suspension of in-person classes in schools by some states.
Several areas recorded their highest-ever April day temperatures, with the mercury soaring to a scorching 47 degrees Celsius. Tragically, at least two individuals succumbed to suspected heatstroke in Kerala.
IMD data revealed that April experienced the highest number of heatwave days in 15 years in Gangetic West Bengal and nine years in Odisha. Moreover, Odisha endured its longest heatwave spell (16 days) in April since 2016.
Experts say similar heatwaves could occur approximately once every 30 years, with their frequency having surged about 45 times due to climate change.