Nagpur, Maharashtra – As several Indian states grapple with an intense heatwave, Nagpur has recorded an unprecedented high temperature of 56°C on Friday. This reading, taken from an automatic weather station (AWS) situated in a 24-hectare open agricultural field at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth in Ramdaspeth, has surpassed the recent record set by Delhi suburb Mungeshwar earlier this week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is currently verifying Mungeshwar’s temperature for potential sensor errors, according to a Times of India report.
Weather Forecast and Alerts
In response to the ongoing heatwave, the IMD has forecast light rain and thunderstorms for Delhi today, which could offer some relief from the oppressive heat. Nonetheless, a red alert for severe heatwave conditions remains in effect across several regions, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh-Delhi, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, until June 1.
Heatwave Impact and Deaths
The extreme temperatures have had devastating effects, with over 50 heat-related deaths reported across various states. Bihar reported 14 deaths on Thursday, including 10 individuals who were involved in organizing the national elections currently underway. In Odisha’s Rourkela region, 12 deaths were reported at a government hospital, prompting state authorities to advise against outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when temperatures are at their peak. Additionally, a 40-year-old laborer in Delhi succumbed to heatstroke on Wednesday.
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Delhi Zoo’s Response
The Delhi Zoo has taken significant measures to protect its 1,200 animals from the extreme heat. Director Sanjeet Kumar told ANI that the zoo has implemented a summer management diet, incorporating more liquids and seasonal fruits and vegetables high in water content. They are also using pools and sprinklers to help animals cope with the soaring temperatures, as many birds and wild monkeys have been observed fainting or falling sick due to the heat.
National Heatwave Crisis
The current heatwave has affected numerous regions across India, with Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Rajasthan experiencing severe conditions since May 17, and Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh since May 18. The IMD’s red alert underscores the gravity of the situation, urging citizens to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses.
As India battles this severe heatwave, the IMD’s forecast of rain in some areas offers a glimmer of hope for relief. However, the persistent high temperatures and the resulting fatalities highlight the urgent need for preparedness and mitigation efforts to address the impacts of extreme weather conditions.
