Rebecca Manzi India is grappling with the extreme heat that is hitting New Delhi and surrounding regions with temperatures exceeding 116 degrees Fahrenheit
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In India, a severe heatwave has struck the capital, New Delhi, and its surrounding areas, causing temperatures to soar above 116 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme weather is severely testing the local population, prompting authorities to issue a red alert and advise residents to exercise maximum caution.
The weather station in Najafgarh reported a record-breaking temperature of 117.44 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest ever recorded in India, while in Agra, the temperature reached 117.26 degrees. Meteorological authorities have warned that the heatwave could continue for the next few days, with temperatures expected to remain exceptionally high in the northwestern plains of India, including the states of Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chandigarh. The states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are also expected to continue experiencing extreme heat.
This heatwave coincides with India’s general elections, which have been taking place since April 19 and will conclude on June 1. The high temperatures threaten to reduce voter turnout, especially in densely populated areas.
Schools close early in many states
Due to the record heat, schools in Delhi were closed early for summer vacation, a measure that was later adopted in the neighboring states of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
While the northern part of the country is suffocated by scorching heat, the southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been hit by violent rains causing floods and inundations. This contrast in extreme weather conditions highlights India’s vulnerability to climate change.
Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, have a direct impact on public health. According to a 2021 study, over 17,000 people have died in the last 50 years in India due to extreme temperatures. This critical situation underscores the urgent need to address the consequences of climate change and protect public health.
