New Delhi, June 18, 2024 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab amid an intense heatwave that has gripped the national capital and surrounding states over the past week. Temperatures have soared above 46 degrees Celsius across North India, including in Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Jharkhand. In Bihar, 22 people have died due to severe heat and high humidity in the last 24 hours.
In Delhi, the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 45 degrees Celsius, which is over six degrees higher than the average for June. The IMD reported that the heat index, or the feels-like temperature, in Delhi surged to 50 degrees Celsius on Monday. A technical snag caused by high ground temperatures delayed a Delhi to West Bengal IndiGo flight by over three hours on Monday.
While the national capital is predicted to experience slight relief from Wednesday due to scattered rains and dust storms, long-term relief remains elusive. In Uttarakhand, Dehradun recorded a maximum temperature of 43.1 degrees Celsius, while Mussorie sizzled at 43 degrees Celsius. Even hill towns like Pauri and Nainital are experiencing heatwaves after little to no rainfall over the last three months. Himachal Pradesh recorded a temperature of 44 degrees, 6.7 degrees above average, while in Jammu and Kashmir, Katra reached 40.8 degrees Celsius and Jammu hit 44.3 degrees Celsius.
Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh recorded a maximum temperature of 47.6 degrees Celsius. As temperatures continue to rise, little relief is expected over the next week. Former IMD Director General, KJ Ramesh, explained that expected relief from the heatwave has been delayed by a shift in winds through the Arabian Sea. He also noted that the monsoon’s stagnation over West Bengal since June 1 has prolonged the heatwave in North India.
Ramesh added that Delhi might experience some “intermittent relief” due to dust storms and scattered showers, but this would only last “for a few hours or half a day.” After Wednesday, a fresh western disturbance is expected to approach northwest India, bringing some respite from the intense heat.
“The real abatement of heat will occur only once the monsoon arrives,” Ramesh said, estimating that it will take more than 12 days for the monsoon to reach Delhi. “After June 27, most areas of Uttar Pradesh will get relief, followed by western UP, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab,” he added.
