Severe Heatwave Hits Northern and Eastern India

Intense Heatwave in Northern and Eastern India
Northern and eastern regions of India are currently experiencing a relentless heatwave. On June 10, the national capital, Delhi, recorded its hottest day of the season. Additionally, several areas in Rajasthan are facing extreme temperatures. The meteorological department has issued orange and yellow alerts for multiple states as temperatures continue to rise, exacerbated by increasing humidity.
Weather Conditions and Forecast
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a recent weakening of the western disturbance has led to increased humidity, contributing to the rising heat. The monsoon has yet to arrive in northwestern India, raising concerns about worsening conditions in the near future.
Record Temperatures in Delhi
In Delhi, the highest temperature recorded on Tuesday reached 43.8 degrees Celsius, which is 3.6 degrees above the seasonal average. The IMD has issued an orange alert for the capital until Wednesday, predicting that the extreme heat and heatwave conditions will persist at least until June 12. The forecast suggests that daytime temperatures could hover around 45 degrees Celsius, with nighttime temperatures remaining around 29 degrees Celsius. Some relief may come after June 12, as the IMD anticipates light rain and thunderstorms in parts of Delhi, along with strong winds at speeds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour.
Red Alert for Rajasthan
Western Rajasthan is also experiencing severe heat, with temperatures in Ganganagar exceeding 47 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days. The IMD has issued a red alert for heatwave conditions for June 11 and 12. An orange alert is in place for western Rajasthan on June 13, while a yellow alert has been issued for eastern Rajasthan on the same day. Furthermore, dust storms are expected in Rajasthan on June 15-16, which may provide some respite from the heat. A drop in temperatures is anticipated around June 18-20 due to storm activity in eastern Rajasthan.
Yellow Alert in Ludhiana
In northern India, Ludhiana has also been placed under a yellow alert for heatwave conditions from Tuesday to Thursday. The temperature in Ludhiana reached 44 degrees Celsius on Monday, and the IMD's weekly forecast indicates that maximum temperatures will remain above 40 degrees Celsius until June 16. While no significant changes in weather are expected in the coming days, Surendra Paul, director of the IMD's Chandigarh center, mentioned the possibility of light thunderstorms and some localized rainfall, which could bring temperatures closer to normal levels.