Heatwave grips North India; 'Orange alert' issued in 13 UP districts

New Delhi, May 16: North India is reeling under the dual assault of an intense heatwave and rising air pollution, severely affecting daily life across several regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'Orange Alert' for 13 districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Mau, Ballia, Kaushambi, Jaunpur, and Azamgarh.

The alert signals a high risk of heat-related illnesses and calls for precautionary measures.

In these regions, daytime temperatures have soared to 41 degrees Celsius, with the IMD warning that the heatwave may intensify further over the next 48 hours.

Between May 16 and 18, Delhi is expected to record maximum temperatures between 40 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may hover around 26 degrees Celsius.

Along with scorching winds, humidity levels have surged to nearly 60 per cent, worsening the effects of the heatwave and increasing the likelihood of heatstroke.

Simultaneously, air pollution continues to deteriorate, aggravating health risks.

According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's Anand Vihar, Alipur, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, and Narela reported Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 300, placing them in the “very poor” category.

Conditions in adjoining areas like Ghaziabad and Noida are equally alarming. In Ghaziabad’s Loni, Sanjay Nagar, and Indirapuram, and Noida’s sectors 62, 125, and 116, AQI levels have touched the “severe” category, raising serious public health concerns.

Medical experts are advising people, especially senior citizens, children, and those with heart conditions, to exercise extreme caution during this period. Health recommendations include staying indoors during peak hours, drinking plenty of water, staying in shaded or cool areas, and using masks to reduce exposure to pollutants.

“The combination of high heat and polluted air is particularly dangerous for people with respiratory and cardiovascular issues,” warned a senior physician at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital.

Relief may arrive soon, however. The IMD has forecast light rainfall in some parts of North India starting May 19, which could bring slight relief from the high temperatures. Until then, residents are advised to stay vigilant and take protective measures.

Reader Comments

R

Rahul K.

This heatwave is unbearable! 😓 In Lucknow, even stepping out for 10 minutes feels like walking into a furnace. Authorities should arrange more water kiosks and shaded waiting areas at bus stops. Our construction workers and street vendors are suffering the most.

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Priya M.

The pollution + heat combo is deadly. My asthma has worsened this week despite staying indoors. Why isn't there stricter enforcement on construction dust and vehicle emissions during such critical periods? We need proactive measures, not just alerts.

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Amit S.

In Ghaziabad, power cuts are making things worse. No electricity for 6-7 hours daily means no fans or coolers. IMD warnings are good but where's the ground-level preparedness? Hospitals should have dedicated heatstroke wards during such crises.

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Neha T.

My heart goes out to delivery personnel and traffic police who have to work in this scorching heat. Can't corporations provide them with cooling vests or electrolyte drinks? Small measures can save lives. #RespectForFrontlineWorkers

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Vikram J.

While heatwaves are natural, our urban planning makes them worse. Where are the trees in Noida's new sectors? Concrete jungles with no green cover = heat islands. Time to make urban greenery mandatory, not optional.

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Sunita R.

Traditional wisdom helps! My grandmother suggested keeping wet curtains at windows and eating onions with meals - surprisingly effective against heat. Modern solutions + indigenous knowledge can work together to beat this crisis 🌿

K

Karan D.

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