📷 Image Credits: India Today
As many parts of northern and central India continue to be engulfed by an intense heatwave, the mercury soared past 50 degrees Celsius in regions like Rajasthan’s Churu and Haryana’s Sirsa, while settling at alarming levels in Delhi as well. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that several weather stations in Delhi recorded maximum temperatures of 49 degrees Celsius or more, with Mungeshpur and Narela touching 49.9 degrees and Najafgarh at 49.8 degrees Celsius, marking the highest recorded temperatures in the capital this season.
The scorching heatwave extended across most of Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Himachal Pradesh. Churu in Rajasthan emerged as the hottest place in the country, registering a blistering 50.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Sirsa-AWS in Haryana at 50.3 degrees Celsius. The soaring temperatures prompted the Haryana government to advance summer vacations in all state-run and private schools.
According to the IMD, a temporary respite from the searing heatwave is anticipated after May 30 as a western disturbance and moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea are expected to bring relief to northwest and central parts of the country. Meanwhile, in stark contrast to the heatwave, heavy rain and thunderstorms triggered by Cyclone Remal have left a trail of destruction in northeastern states, claiming at least 35 lives. Mizoram was among the worst-hit states, with 25 casualties reported due to landslides and incessant rain. Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya also witnessed casualties and damages as a result of the cyclone’s aftermath.
The aftermath of Cyclone Remal led to the displacement of hundreds of people, who were forced to seek shelter in relief camps as rainfall wreaked havoc, destroying homes and disrupting power supply in the region. As the nation grapples with contrasting weather events, the IMD’s forecast signals a potential shift in the weather pattern, offering a glimmer of hope for those enduring the relentless heatwave and the aftermath of the destructive cyclone.
