At least one-third of the nation is reeling under a relentless heatwave, as scorching temperatures and oppressive conditions prevail across vast swathes of the country. Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and several other states, including parts of hill states like Jammu and Kashmir, are currently in the throes of extreme heat, exacerbated by soaring temperatures and minimal respite even during nighttime.Intense heat will persist The Meteorological Department has issued warnings that intense heat will persist for the next two days in 13 states and union territories. However, a temporary relief is anticipated from June 18 to 20, as a western disturbance moves towards northwest India, bringing prospects of light rain and thunderstorms to affected regions.Prayagraj records highest temperature In Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj recorded the highest temperature in the country for the third consecutive day, soaring to 47.6 degrees Celsius. Similar severe conditions have been reported in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, East Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Rajasthan, and West Bengal. The heatwave has gripped the Ganga bank areas in Bengal as well.The plains and low-lying areas of Jammu division in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are also experiencing distressing heat, with temperatures ranging from 44 to 46 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours. The combination of heat and humidity is making outdoor activities unbearable in many regions.Possiblity of light rain The Meteorological Department has highlighted the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by light rain in several northern and northwest states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, owing to the impending western disturbance. Wind speeds may reach up to 30-40 km per hour during this period.Temperature climbed to 45.2 degrees CelsiusIn the national capital, Delhi, the temperature climbed to 45.2 degrees Celsius, significantly above the normal average, prompting a red alert from the Meteorological Department. Nighttime temperatures have also remained high, exacerbating discomfort among residents. Some relief is anticipated starting June 19, with possible rainfall expected across parts of the city.Heatwave claimed many lives Tragically, the heatwave has already claimed lives in various regions. In Faridabad alone, five individuals lost their lives due to heat-related complications, including cases of heatstroke and exhaustion. Similar incidents have been reported in other severely affected areas.Punjab, Haryana continue to endure heatwave Punjab and Haryana continue to endure scorching temperatures, with Bathinda in Punjab and Pindara in Haryana recording highs of 46.9 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh reported temperatures as high as 44.5 degrees Celsius, while Faridkot and Pathankot recorded 46 degrees and 45.8 degrees Celsius respectively.169 people succumbed to heatwave In Uttar Pradesh, the situation is dire, with reports indicating that 169 people have succumbed to the extreme heat in the past 24 hours. Purvanchal and Bundelkhand divisions have been particularly hard hit, with Varanasi alone reporting 33 fatalities, and substantial numbers also reported from Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Kanpur, and other districts.With temperatures remaining high across northern India, authorities are urging citizens to take precautions against the heat and to stay hydrated. The upcoming rainfall is eagerly anticipated as a potential relief from the ongoing heatwave crisis gripping the nation.
