Parts of northern India are grappling with an intense heatwave that has severely disrupted daily life, with temperatures soaring past 45°C in several states and reaching a scorching 48.8°C in Barmer, Rajasthan.
The India Meteorological Department has warned that the heatwave is expected to persist until Wednesday, exacerbating water and electricity shortages due to increased power consumption. Delhi, in particular, is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures hovering around 45-46°C and peak power demand reaching a historic high of 8,000 MW on Wednesday.
Hospitals in the capital have established special facilities to treat the growing number of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. The heat index, which measures the apparent temperature, has exceeded 50°C due to high humidity levels, adding to the distress.
In Jaipur, Rajasthan, tourists and locals alike are resorting to sarees and other coverings to shield themselves from the relentless sun. Similarly, in Kolkata, residents are turning to traditional cooling drinks like coconut water and buttermilk to cope with the oppressive heat.
The situation is dire across northern India, with regions from Delhi to Kashmir witnessing above-normal temperatures. In Srinagar, people are seeking relief by swimming in Dal Lake, while in Delhi, even zoo animals are being hosed down to stay cool.
Rohit Nair, a 34-year-old advertising professional in Delhi, described the conditions as unbearable. “I just feel exhausted the entire day. Delhi is boiling this year,” he said, noting that it’s challenging to stay comfortable even indoors without air conditioning.
The heatwave has prompted authorities in Delhi to close schools early for summer holidays. Those working in the informal sector, particularly laborers, are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses due to prolonged exposure to the sun.
The unprecedented heat has also led to tragic incidents, such as the recent fire in a gaming arcade in Rajkot, Gujarat, which claimed 27 lives. This highlights the broader impact of the heatwave, extending beyond health to issues of safety and infrastructure.