Extreme Heatwave Grips India: Record Temperatures Across the Nation

Severe Heatwave Affects Multiple Regions

India is currently experiencing an intense heatwave, with numerous areas in the northern, central, and eastern parts of the country setting new temperature records. On Tuesday afternoon, India maintained its position at the top of the global temperature rankings. According to live temperature data from AQI.in around 2:30 PM, all of the world's 100 hottest cities were located in India. This highlights the severity and extent of the ongoing heatwave across the nation. The rankings indicated that temperatures continued to rise throughout the afternoon, with even the cooler cities recording extreme heat, reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius, showcasing the widespread nature of the heat.

Major Cities Experience Extreme Heat

The list of affected areas includes not only small towns but also major cities. Severe heat was evident in places like New Delhi, Faridabad, Chandigarh, Jammu, Agra, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Kota, and Raipur. By midday, several cities such as Chandigarh, Jammu, Bathinda, Pathankot, Bareilly, Jhansi, Kaithal, and Haridwar recorded temperatures soaring to 46 degrees Celsius. In various cities across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, temperatures hovered around 45 degrees.

Eastern India Also Affected

Eastern India is not spared from this crisis either. In Asansol and Durgapur, temperatures reached 45 degrees, while Dhanbad recorded 44 degrees. New Delhi ranked 99th and Faridabad 100th globally, both with temperatures at 44 degrees. This situation indicates that the heatwave is no longer confined to a few states but has engulfed a vast area of northern, central, and eastern India.

Weather Department Warns of Continued Heat

The Indian Meteorological Department has indicated that relief from the heat is unlikely in the coming days. According to the department, states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha may continue to experience heat to severe heat conditions this week. A warning for extreme heat has been issued for western Uttar Pradesh from May 19 to 24 and for eastern Uttar Pradesh until May 21.

Experts Warn of Dangerous Heat Conditions

Experts suggest that this year's heat is proving to be more dangerous than typical seasonal patterns. Professor Y. Nityanandam, head of the Geospatial Research Program at the Takshashila Institute in Bengaluru, notes that high temperatures in northwest and central India during April and May are common due to intense solar radiation, dry winds, and low soil moisture. However, this year, the intensity, duration, and widespread nature of the heat are concerning. The lack of nighttime cooling is exacerbating the situation.

Climate Change and Urbanization Contribute to Crisis

Experts have also pointed out that reduced rainfall, persistent dry air flows, rapid urbanization, and diminishing green spaces have worsened the situation. Climate change is significantly amplifying this crisis, leading to more frequent, prolonged, and intense heat events compared to the past.

Power Demand Hits Record High

The extreme heat is visibly impacting the country's power supply. On Tuesday, electricity demand reached a new record of 260 gigawatts. This surpassed the previous day's demand of 258 gigawatts and exceeded the April record of 256 gigawatts. The surge in demand is primarily attributed to the increasing use of cooling appliances in homes and offices.

Banda District Notable for Extreme Temperatures

Banda district in Uttar Pradesh has gained particular attention during this heatwave. This district in the Bundelkhand region has been recognized as the hottest city in the world twice in the past month and the hottest in Asia three times. On Monday, temperatures soared to 47.6 degrees Celsius, marking the highest May temperature in 75 years. Experts indicate that Banda's extreme heat is not solely due to weather conditions but also human activities. Diminishing greenery, drying rivers, rocky terrain, and sand mining have transformed it into an artificial heat island.