Lead: Northern India is currently enduring an intense heatwave, with temperatures nearing a scorching 50°C, severely disrupting daily life.
Parts of northern India are experiencing a relentless heatwave that has significantly disrupted normal activities. On Thursday, temperatures soared past 45°C in several states, reaching an extreme 48.8°C in Barmer city, Rajasthan.
The Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted that this severe heatwave will persist until at least Wednesday. This prolonged high temperature has led to increased power consumption, resulting in water and electricity shortages across many regions.
Delhi, the nation’s capital, is particularly affected, with peak power demand hitting an unprecedented 8,000MW on Wednesday. Throughout the week, Delhi has faced brutal heat, with temperatures consistently hovering between 45°C and 46°C.
Weather experts indicate that the heat index, or the perceived temperature due to humidity, has surpassed 50°C, exacerbating the situation. In response, hospitals in Delhi have established special facilities to treat the growing number of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.
Rohit Nair, a 34-year-old advertising professional in Delhi, describes the heat as unbearable. “I just feel exhausted the entire day. Delhi is boiling this year,” he remarks. Despite avoiding outdoor activities in the afternoon, Nair finds it uncomfortable even indoors. “It’s impossible to sit without the air conditioner on,” he adds.
