Temperatures in Delhi, India have hit a new record high of 52.3°C, if provisional figures are verified, amid a punishing heatwave across the north and centre of the country that is expected to last at least six more days, if not further into June.
Teams monitoring water usage
Extreme conditions have been seen in 37 cities across the nation, where temperatures have soared over 45°C and multiple deaths from the effects of the heat have been recorded. Warnings have been issued over wasting water, with 200 teams sent out, according to Delhi Water Minister Atishi, to crack down on hosepipe usage. Water has had to be cut off in some areas because of shortages.
It is not only a scarcity of drinking water that is a problem, but also a lack of water to drive hydroelectric plants. With surges in electricity use up to 239.96 megawatts, due to demand for air-conditioning, fans and coolers, the power going out is the last thing anyone needs.
Very high likelihood of heat stroke
In effects seen elsewhere, forest fires are raging in Jammu and Kashmir. In the city of Akola, public gatherings have been banned and there is a “red” weather alert in place for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, which raises awareness of the “very high likelihood” of adverse health effects due to the heat for people of all ages.
Meanwhile a Delhi doctor who spoke to the BBC’s World Service said some of the most vulnerable people are older citizens and those who have pre-existing conditions, as well as “some of the poorest and migrant workers who are working in the construction sites and other places”.
“Excruciatingly hot”
The record high measured in Delhi was apparently not in line with temperatures recorded elsewhere in the city which, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, ranged from 45.2°C to 49.1°C. They have therefore sent a team to check the data. But as the head of the IMD Mrutyunjay Mohapatra blamed hot winds from Rajasthan, a BBC correspondent in Delhi said, “It’s been excruciatingly hot over the past couple of days and it’s got significantly worse as the days progress.” Critics say Delhi’s lack of green spaces and huge traffic problem exacerbate high temperatures.
And still to come in the subcontinent, monsoon season, due to hit any day now and which, like the Indian summer conditions, is expected to be more intense than usual.
