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PremiumHeatwave Alert LIVE updates: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning on Thursday of an impending severe heatwave across several states in North India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. The warning comes after a scorching May 22, when maximum temperatures soared beyond 45 degrees Celsius in these regions.
The weather office stated that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh until May 25. Additionally, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh will also experience heatwave conditions until May 25, while Maharashtra is forecasted to face similar conditions until May 24.
Check out all the LIVE updates on heatwave alert here,
On IMD's orange alert of heavy rainfall in West Bengal, IMD scientist Dr Somenath Dutta says, "There was a low-pressure area yesterday over the south-west Bay of Bengal near the Chennai coast. That low-pressure area started moving in the Northeast direction... It has intensified a bit... On May 24, it will intensify into a depression... It will intensify into a cyclonic storm on May 25... The landfall will be at midnight on May 26..."
The maximum temperature of 48.8 degrees Celcius was recorded in Rajasthan's Barmer. Heatwave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed over many parts of West Rajasthan and in isolated pockets of East Rajasthan. Heat wave conditions prevailed in some parts of Gujarat and in isolated pockets of West Madhya Pradesh.
IMD predicted ‘warm night’ in Delhi on May 23.
The IMD said heat wave to severe heat wave is very likely over many parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, parts of West Uttar Pradesh and heat wave is likely over isolated places over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha on May 27, 2024
"A cyclonic circulation still persists over Kerala and adjoining parts of Tamil Nadu and South Interior Karnataka. But, there is a storm brewing over the Bay of Bengal, presently marked as well as marked low-pressure area," Skymet reported.
Tamil Nadu likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall today, the IMD said.
Energy Minister of Rajasthan, Hiralal Nagar, "We are monitoring the situation continuously. To meet the adequate demands, we are purchasing electricity from other states and in upcoming days we are reopening our power plant with a capacity of generating 1500 MW"
In the last seven days, the water storage in 150 major reservoirs in India plunged to their lowest level in five years, according to the Central Water Commission. This has exacerbated the problem water supply shortages in many states and significantly affected hydropower generation.
Heatwave Alert LIVE updates: Official data showed that over 24 places in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh registered maximum temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celsius and above on May 22.
The power demand in Delhi reached a record highs of 8,000 megawatts, with air conditioners, coolers, and refrigerators in homes and offices running at full throttle.
In the Delhi stretch of the Yamuna River, water levels dropped significantly amid the sweltering heat leading to water shortage and supply disruption in many areas of the city.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was reportedly admitted to multi-speciality K D Hospital in Ahmedabad after suffering from a heat stroke. He is likely to be discharged on today. On May 21, he was in Ahmedabad to attend Indian Premier League (IPL) match of his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Gujarat was under "heatwave" on Tuesday and Wednesday when maximum temperature of 45.2 and 45.9 degrees Celsius was recorded, as per IMD data
IMD states, “There is a very high likelihood of developing heat-related illnesses and heat stroke in people of all ages, and a significant health concern for vulnerable individuals, such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases."
IMD's weather prediction for May 23 over Delhi states that the sky is mainly clear with heat wave conditions in a few places. Strong surface winds, with speeds of 25-35 kmph, may occur occasionally in gusts during the day. The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 44 degree Celsius and minimum around 30.6 degree Celsius during the day.
In the seven-day forecast released today, the weather office issued a red alert from May 24 to May 27. IMD's advisory to Delhi residents states, “Avoid heat exposure– keep cool. Avoid dehydration. Drink sufficient water- even if not thirsty. Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. to keep yourself hydrated."
Heatwave Alert LIVE updates: While referring to extremely high maximum temperature observed on May 22 across various regions of India, IMD stated, “Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed over many parts of West Rajasthan; over some parts of East Rajasthan. Heat wave conditions prevailed in isolated pockets of Haryana, Gujarat and West Madhya Pradesh."
Heatwave Alert LIVE updates: Temperature soared as high as 47.7 degree Celsius in Haryana's Sirsa on May 22.
A control room has been set up by the Public Health Engineering Department to solve all the problems related to drinking water. Helpline number 0141-2222585 to register complaints has also been made available after Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma instructed officials of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Power Distribution Corporations to take measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply and regular drinking water. On the BijliMitra app, power complaints can be lodged.
The Energy Minister of Rajasthan, Hiralal Nagar noted that the 1500 MW (megawatt) power plant which was inoperational earlier, will now become functional. Moreover, he directed the officials to take the necessary steps to ensure smooth power supply during peak hours.
Heatwave Alert LIVE updates: Department of Medicine Assistant Professor, Dr Shivani Sharma said, "As per the instructions issued by the ministry some beds have been earmarked for the suspected or confirmed heat stroke patients, some are reserved for casualties... Since our buildings have centralised AC, we also have adequate pedestal fans and garden hose spray because the best mechanism of cooling is evaporative cooling... Till now we have zero reported cases of heat-related illness..."
Heatwave Alert LIVE updates: The Energy Minister of Rajasthan, Hiralal Nagar said, "In view of the rising electricity demand, we have cancelled leaves and instructed officials not to leave the headquarters without prior notice to meet the demands and ensure smooth power supply. We have informed them regarding the need to ensure uninterrupted power supply over the state, especially in rural areas."
Heatwave Alert LIVE updates: The Energy Minister of Rajasthan, Hiralal Nagar said that due to severe heatwaves and soaring temperatures, the electricity demand has surged 20 per cent.
As per IMD's weather report, heatwave conditions are expected over Jammu division, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh till May 26; in Delhi till May 23; in Uttar Pradesh from May 24 to May 26 and in Maharashtra till May 25.
Heatwave Alert LIVE updates: IMD states, “Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions likely in many parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, few parts of West Uttar Pradesh, isolated pockets of West Madhya Pradesh and heatwave conditions very likely in isolated pockets of Jammu & Kashmir."
Heatwave Alert LIVE updates: The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heatwave in five states today—Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
Heatwave Alert LIVE updates: Temperature soared as high as 48 degree Celsius in Rajasthan's Barmer on May 22.
"The temperature during May is usually high and the heatwave spell is expected to continue for minimum a week," Director, Met Centre Jaipur Radhey Shyam Sharma said.
For the next three days, the weather department has predicted severe heatwave conditions in Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Dholpur, Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Karauli, Sikar, Barmer, Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Nagaur and Ganganagar.
Temperatures also remained uncomfortably high at night in many areas. It crossed 30 degrees Celsius in many areas on Tuesday night.
Rajasthan continued to reel under the grip of severe heat conditions with Barmer recording the highest temperature at 48 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
Looking at the situation, the state government cancelled the leaves of all divisional commissioners, additional divisional commissioners, district collectors, additional district collectors and sub divisional officers till further orders.
With heavy rains continuing to lash several parts of Kerala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday placed five districts of the state on red alert, predicting extremely heavy rainfall in those regions.
According to the latest update from the weather agency, the red alert was sounded in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki.
"Sirsa in Haryana recorded a Maximum Temperature of 47.8°C on 21st May 2024," the IMD said.
Waterlogging was reported in parts of Kolkata after heavy rainfall lashed parts of the city on Wednesday.
IMD forecast: Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions likely in many parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, few parts of West Uttar Pradesh, isolated pockets of West Madhya Pradesh and heatwave conditions very likely in isolated pockets of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Gujarat, Saurashtra & Kutch on 26th May, 2024.
"Temperature has reached up to 48 degree Celsius; amid the rising heat, the power demand reached a 15-year high in May itself, while the peak demand usually comes in Delhi in July-August. On May 21, Delhi witnessed its peak demand 7,717 megawatt. This is the highest peak demand in Delhi's history. But, I am happy that despite the peak demand reaching in May itself, there has been no problem in power supply in Delhi," said Delhi minister Atishi.
The IMD has said the prevailing conditions are a cause of concern for vulnerable people such as infants, elderly and those with chronic diseases. It has suggested them to avoid heat exposure and dehydration by drinking sufficient water and consume ORS and homemade drinks like lassi, lemon water and buttermilk to keep themselves hydrated.
Amid a surge in day temperatures, government hospitals witnessed a sudden rise in the number of patients coming with symptoms of heat-related illnesses caused by exposure to sun. The Ahmedabad civic body has equipped health and wellness centres with medicines and ORS (oral rehydration solution) packets to help fight heat-related health complications. The AMC has set up kiosks across the city for distribution of butter milk and made arrangements for drinking water at public places, said the civic body in a statement.
As per an IMD forecast, parts of Ahmedabad and state capital Gandhinagar, among several districts in Gujarat, were likely to be in grip of heatwave conditions which will increase likelihood of heat- related illnesses.
Amid heatwave conditions prevailing in several parts of Gujarat, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar on Tuesday recorded a maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, the highest in the state, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Dr Neeraj Nishchal, professor at the Department of Medicine in AIIMS, Delhi, said the health issues caused by the rising temperatures could range from rashes, heat exhaustion and dehydration to heat strokes.
Heat Wave conditions can also result in physiological strain, often proving fatal.
To minimise the impact of the heat wave and prevent serious ailments, doctors have advised people against going outdoors to the extent possible, and, if necessary, under adequate protection; especially between noon and 3 pm; take sufficient fluids as often as possible, even if one is not thirsty; and wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes.
Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said, "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. With regard to a state-wise forecast, we have issued a red alert in Rajasthan for the next five days. The maximum temperature is likely to inch further up from 45°C and settle at 47°C."
"In Punjab and Haryana, maximum temperatures have registered a marginal drop due to a prevailing western disturbance but they will increase gradually hereafter by 2 to 3 degrees. we have already issued a 'red alert' for these two states. In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, we have issued a red alert for the next five days and an orange alert for northern parts of Madhya Pradesh," Kumar told ANI.
Rajasthan: Jaipur, Meteorological Centre, Director, Radhe Shyam Sharma says, "In the last 24 hours, for the first time in this season, the maximum temperature in Rajasthan has been recorded at 47 degrees Celsius...The maximum temperature is above 45 degrees Celsius at all places in western Rajasthan...Heatwave conditions persist in most parts... Jaisalmer has recorded the highest minimum temperature of 34 degrees Celsius...In the next 48 to 72 hours, the maximum temperature will increase by another 1-2 degrees Celsius in most parts of Rajasthan... The heat wave will continue for the next 5 days..."
The Met Department said maximum daytime temperatures in several districts of these states may breach the 47°C-mark.
Offering little respite to people reeling under a savage and searing summer wave across the vast swathes of the country's northern belt, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted heatwave to severe heatwave conditions to prevail over parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh as it issued a 'red alert' for the states over the next five days.
In response to the unrelenting heatwave, IMD has advised staying hydrated by drinking sufficient water, even if not thirsty, and consuming ORS and homemade drinks like lassi, Torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk. They also recommend avoiding heat exposure, covering the head with a hat or umbrella, and wearing light-coloured, loose, and cotton clothes to stay safe.
