Delhi-NCR sizzles round the clock as warm nights worsen heat misery
New Delhi, May 21
Residents of the National Capital Region are grappling with an unrelenting spell of heat, with discomfort now extending well into the night.
Not just the daytime, but warm and humid nights are making conditions increasingly unbearable, as temperatures stay above normal levels.
According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the region is likely to continue experiencing heatwave conditions over the next six days.
Daytime temperatures are hovering around 45 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature remains unusually high, ranging between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius. The lack of nighttime cooling has worsened public discomfort.
The maximum temperature in Delhi-NCR on Thursday was recorded at 44 degrees C and is expected to cross 45 degrees Celsius on Friday.
The IMD has issued a warning of heatwave conditions accompanied by strong surface winds during the afternoon and evening hours, along with the possibility of a 'warm night'.
Similar conditions are expected to persist on Friday, with the maximum temperature at 45 degrees and the minimum around 31 degrees Celsius. Heatwave warnings remain in place, with strong winds likely during the latter half of the day.
From May 23 to May 24, the temperature is projected to remain steady at around 45 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures are likely to stay near 31 degrees. Heatwave conditions and strong surface winds are expected to continue during the afternoon and evening hours.
For May 25 and 26, the IMD has forecast no relief, with maximum temperatures likely to stay at 45 degrees and minimum temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius.
Amid the severe heat, the Health Department has stepped up measures to tackle health problems. Hospitals have been directed to arrange additional beds, set up separate wards for heatstroke cases, and ensure the availability of specialised medical care.
Health experts have advised residents to avoid stepping out between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., stay well-hydrated, wear light clothing, and cover their heads when venturing outdoors.
The IMD has said that there is little likelihood of relief from the heatwave in the coming days. With both day and night temperatures remaining above normal, the situation is expected to worsen further, adding to the challenges faced by residents of Delhi-NCR.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I work in construction and these conditions are a nightmare. My labor crew can't work after 11 AM, and we're losing wages. The authorities need to provide more cooling shelters and drinking water points. Earning daily bread is becoming life-threatening! 😤
I'm a student and hostel life without proper cooling is pure torture. Fans just blow hot air around, and we have to study with wet towels on our heads. Why can't they extend summer breaks or at least provide better facilities? Education shouldn't be this uncomfortable. 📚🔥
It's not just the heat, but the humidity too! Our power grid is struggling, and we face frequent outages. The BMC and discoms should coordinate better—more transformers, tree trimming to avoid wire sparks, and stricter action against power theft. Health advisory is good, but implementation matters! 👎🏽
I appreciate the Health Department's preparedness, but it's reactive, not proactive. We need urban planning that prioritises green spaces, reflective building materials, and better public transport to reduce heat island effect. Also, why no talk about planting native trees that provide shade without destroying footpaths? 🌳
As a mother, I'm terrified for my kids. Schools still run, and they come home exhausted. Why not shift school timings to early morning or provide cool buses? The heatwave warnings are helpful, but we need concrete actions for vulnerable groups like children, elderly, and street vendors. Khush raho, but be safe! 🌞
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