The India Meteorological Department issued a heatwave warning for seven southern and central states last week, and extended the warning to the capital New Delhi and several northern states on May 21, after temperatures soared above normal.
According to data from the regional meteorological centre in New Delhi, the highest maximum temperature recorded on May 22 in Najafgarh town in southwest Delhi and the Commonwealth Games Sports Complex was 46.2 degrees Celsius. This is the second consecutive day that Najafgarh town has recorded a maximum temperature above 46 degrees Celsius. On May 21, the temperature measured in this town was 46.3 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, weather stations in Narela, Pitampura and Pusa in the Delhi metropolitan region also recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. Amid the intense heat, the bustling streets of the Indian capital became deserted and traffic reduced significantly. Meanwhile, many schools in the states of Maharashtra, Odisha and West Bengal were also closed due to the heat.
According to AP news agency, severe heat warnings will continue for the next few days in India, before rains appear and cool the air.
The India Meteorological Department said that as the southwest monsoon this year is moving slower and will hit in the first week of June, temperatures in the country are likely to remain high longer than usual.
As temperatures soared above 45 degrees Celsius in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, some areas suffered power outages lasting more than 12 hours, despite the Indian government ordering all power plants in the country to run at full capacity in March to reduce power cuts. The heatwave in Uttar Pradesh could continue for another two days, an Indian official said.
Amid power cuts caused by the heatwave, hundreds of residents protested outside power plants near the city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh state, and blocked several roads over the weekend.
“The power cut means no air conditioning, no fans, and even no water. The scorching heat is unbearable, and the lack of electricity adds to our misery,” said Ramesh Gupta, a Lucknow resident who said over the weekend that his wife and 9-month-old baby were forced to sleep in an air-conditioned car to keep the baby from crying.
The extreme heat has forced many residents of Lucknow to take shelter indoors. “We are imprisoned in our own homes because of the extreme heat, and no one dares to venture out,” said Sudhir Sehgal, a teacher.
“I can’t work now,” said Sukhai Ram, a daily wage gardener. “I will work after the sun sets.”
Not only during the day, the temperature at night is also high, causing the demand for air conditioners and fans to increase.
During the three peak summer months of April, May and June, heat waves prevail in most parts of India, before the monsoon rains bring relief.
In fact, India’s heatwaves have become more severe over the past decade. India also regularly suffers from severe water shortages, with tens of millions of its 1.4 billion people facing water shortages.
Minh Hoa (according to VietNamNet, Tin Tuc Newspaper)
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