New Delhi, May 20 (IANS). The extreme heat conditions in Delhi and many parts of North India became more severe on Wednesday. The temperature reached above 45 degrees Celsius in many areas of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, due to which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and orange alerts in many states.
According to IMD, this extreme heat is likely to continue for the next few days, which will severely affect life across the region.
The scorching heat and hot winds made it difficult to step out in Delhi during the afternoon hours as many areas recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius.
Uttar Pradesh was among the most affected states. People were struggling with the scorching heat in Varanasi as the mercury reached 45-46 degrees Celsius. Local people were seen using umbrellas and cotton clothes to protect themselves from the scorching sun.
A local resident told IANS that Varanasi is experiencing scorching heat and the temperature has reached 45-46 degrees Celsius. People are using umbrellas and cotton clothes to cover their heads.
Another resident advised tourists and devotees not to step out of their homes during the afternoon.
A local resident said tourists and devotees should avoid going out in the afternoon. Go out either in the evening or early in the morning, as there is a risk of falling ill. Hamirpur district is also experiencing a severe heat wave, and residents say this year’s heat is much more severe than previous years.
A local resident said that this time the heat is much more intense than last year. Don’t feel like leaving the house.
In Noida, authorities have stepped up medical preparedness in view of the rising cases of heat wave-related illnesses. A special cool room has been set up in the district hospital for heat wave patients, with separate beds reserved for heat wave patients and additional doctors have been deployed on alert duty.
In Ghazipur, Medical College Principal Dr Anand Mishra said a special heat ward with 10 beds has been set up in view of the rising heat wave warning and temperatures ranging between 41 to 45 degrees Celsius. Banda district of Uttar Pradesh is also in the grip of severe heat wave.
Both people and animals are being affected by the scorching heat in Kota, Rajasthan. Municipal Corporation officials said that arrangements like water sprinkling and coolers are being made in the cow sheds to protect the animals from the scorching heat.
Chandigarh is also in the grip of extreme heat. IMD Director Surinder Paul said that heat wave-like conditions are expected to persist for at least the next 48 hours.
He said the state’s highest temperature of 46.9 degrees Celsius was recorded in Haryana’s Rohtak, while Punjab’s Faridkot recorded 47 degrees Celsius.
The hilly states are also experiencing abnormal heat. The weather department in Himachal Pradesh has issued a heat wave warning in Kangra and Solan districts for Wednesday and Thursday.
Una remained the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius, 4.5 degrees above normal. Shimla also recorded the highest temperature of this season at 29.4 degrees Celsius.
–IANS
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