New Delhi, May 21, 2024 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ for several northern states, predicting that maximum daytime temperatures in districts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh could breach the 47°C mark over the next five days.
Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar, speaking to our reporters, stated, “Temperatures are currently above normal across North West India, and we had issued a red alert for the region over the past 2-3 days. In Rajasthan, the maximum temperature is likely to inch further up from 45°C and settle at 47°C.”
The IMD’s forecast indicates a marginal drop in temperatures in Punjab and Haryana due to a prevailing western disturbance, but these are expected to increase gradually by 2 to 3 degrees. Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for northern parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Meanwhile, southern India is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rains, with up to 12 cm of rainfall predicted in Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the next 2-3 days.
Health experts have warned residents of the affected northern regions against stepping outdoors, especially between 11 am and 4 pm. Dr. Neeraj Nishchal, professor at the Department of Medicine in AIIMS, Delhi, highlighted the potential health risks from the extreme heat, which include rashes, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat strokes.
To mitigate these risks, doctors recommend avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, staying hydrated, and wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose, and porous cotton clothes.
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