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As per the latest report by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi-NCR is expected to face a ‘severe heatwave’ for the next three days as a red alert has been issued in the region until May 29. This area, which includes Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Noida, along with other districts such as Panipat, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, and more, has been experiencing extreme temperatures since late April. The heat waves this year have been even more intense than the previous year, setting records for warmest temperatures. In addition to Delhi-NCR, several other states have been put on alert due to severe heatwave conditions, including parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, with West Uttar Pradesh expected to face a severe heatwave as well. Furthermore, isolated pockets of Jammu division, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Uttar Pradesh are predicted to experience heatwave conditions until May 27.
Heatwaves are periods of unusually high temperatures compared to the region’s historical norms, with factors such as high humidity and wind speed exacerbating their impact. The threshold for a heatwave is met when temperatures reach certain levels, like 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, and depart significantly from normal. A severe heatwave is declared when this departure exceeds a certain threshold. Climate scientists warn that due to climate change, such extreme heat events have become significantly more likely in recent years, with the frequency expected to increase even further.
With India in the midst of a general election, the extreme heat poses a challenge for voters and campaigners alike. The intense weather conditions have led to concerns about voter turnout and health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Despite the red alert and heatwave warnings, political rallies continue, including those by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his main challenger Rahul Gandhi, underscoring the resilience and determination of the political landscape amidst challenging weather conditions. The impact of climate change on India’s environment and public health is evident, emphasizing the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies. As the country grapples with the effects of heatwaves, it also faces the broader challenge of transitioning to a cleaner economy and addressing climate change on a larger scale.
