IMD issues red alert for Delhi and Punjab; UP and Jammu & Kashmir on orange alert due to extreme heat waves

New Delhi (India) June 12: On Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert due to the extreme heatwave that was affecting Delhi. The mercury levels ranged from 40.9°C to 45.0°C throughout the city. The heat index which combines temperature and humidity had reached a remarkable 51.9°C.

On Thursday, Delhi received another warm morning, with the lowest temperature reaching 30.7 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees higher than the season's normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The relative humidity was 67 percent at 8.30 a.m.

A red alert represents a "take action" warning, advising inhabitants to avoid heat exposure, stay hydrated, and limit outside activities. It warns of a high risk of heat illness and severe heat stroke in all ages and advises great caution for vulnerable people.

While the Delhi heat wave signal remains in effect today, experts believe conditions may improve beginning Friday night. According to IMD data, Ayanagar was the warmest place in the national capital at 45°C as of 5:30 p.m.

Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh are on orange alert due to extreme heat. Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra are also under red alert due to severe rainfall.

Krishna Mishra who is a weather scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, "Heatwave conditions have been observed over many places in west Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, south Haryana-Delhi, and in isolated places over east Rajasthan and south Uttar Pradesh. Severe heatwave conditions have been reported at isolated places over west Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu-Kashmir. From yesterday's three stations recording heatwave conditions, today one station, Ayanagar, reported heatwave conditions. Temperatures are likely to remain in a similar range until tomorrow and are likely to witness a gradual fall from June 13."

IMD Scientist Naresh Kumar has explained that the region's temperatures have risen beyond 45°C in recent days due to a lack of thunderstorm activity. Other climatic factors, such the development of an anti-cyclonic circulation across Northwest India are paired with this weather state.

However, according to the IMD's most recent estimate, there could be some relief in northwest India beginning on June 14.

Rain and thunderstorms with strong winds of up to 60 kmph are also predicted for Delhi NCR by the IMD for Friday. The city may experience thunderstorms and rain as a result of the convergence of moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Authorities have advised people to exercise caution, especially those who are more vulnerable, such youngsters, the elderly and anyone with underlying medical conditions.

Aadrika Tayal