Nighttime temperatures remain high in parts of Rajasthan, with daytime highs ranging from 44-48°C in many areas of Rajasthan, and slightly lower in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, according to IMD. Some places in West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, and interior Maharashtra are experiencing temperatures between 40-44°C. These temperatures are 2-4°C above normal in Punjab, Saurashtra, Kutch, Haryana, and isolated areas of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. A further increase of 2-3°C is anticipated in central India and Maharashtra over the next five days.
Here are some of the hottest places in India (temperature (°C))
- Barmer (Rajasthan) – 48.0
- Sirsa (Haryana) – 47.7
- Bhatinda (Airport) (Punjab) – 46.6
- Kandla (Gujarat) – 46.1
- Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh) – 45.0
- Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) -45.0
- Akola (Maharashtra) -44.8
- Una (Himachal Pradesh) -43.0
- Nuapada (Odisha) – 43.0
(Source: IMD)
IMD’s heatwave warning
A heat wave and warm night warning has been issued for the next five days. Heat wave conditions are expected in isolated parts of Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and northeast Madhya Pradesh from May 23nd-26th. West Madhya Pradesh and Delhi will experience similar conditions on May 22nd and 23rd, while Vidarbha will be affected from May 23rd-26th, East Uttar Pradesh from May 24th-26th, and north Madhya Maharashtra from May 22nd-25th. Severe heat wave conditions are likely in West Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, East Rajasthan, and West Uttar Pradesh from May 22nd-26th, with northwest Madhya Pradesh and Delhi affected from May 24th-26th. Hot and humid weather is predicted for Assam from May 22nd-24th, and for Konkan and Goa on May 22nd. Warm nights will persist in West Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan from May 22nd-26th, and in Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi from May 22nd-25th.
IMD’s red alert
IMD has issued red alert for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh due to the heatwave, cautioning about heat-related illnesses and heat stroke across all age groups. It has also issued orange alert for east Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat State, and west Madhya Pradesh.
Rajasthan cancels leaves
Rajasthan is particularly hard-hit, with Barmer recording a high of 48°C. The state government has cancelled the leave of key administrative and medical personnel. Health authorities have already cancelled the leave of all medical staff in government hospitals. The extreme temperatures have prompted various advisories, including the need for extreme caution for vulnerable populations and recommendations to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Dr. Ravi Prakash Mathur, Director of Public Health, has mandated that all medical staff remain on duty to handle the increased risk of heat stroke. He emphasized the need for adequate preparation in hospitals, including reserving beds for heat stroke patients and ensuring the availability of necessary medications and functional air conditioning in ambulances.
Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Secretary Dr. Samit Sharma has instructed field officers and employees to remain at their posts and coordinate with the electricity department to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to maintain the water supply.
