(Image source from: PTI)
The recent scorching heat has gripped several states in northern India, sparking an urgent weather warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Temperatures have soared above 46 degrees Celsius across the region, including in Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Jharkhand. In Bihar, the extreme heat and humidity have tragically claimed 22 lives in the past 24 hours. The situation is particularly concerning in the national capital, Delhi, where the "feels-like" temperature has reached a sweltering 50 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to settle around 45 degrees Celsius, significantly higher than the normal June temperatures. This intense heat has even caused a technical issue on an IndiGo flight, leading to a three-hour delay. While a slight respite is expected in Delhi due to scattered rains and dust storms starting Wednesday, the overall relief may be short-lived. Even hill stations like Dehradun, Mussoorie, Pauri, and Nainital are experiencing the heatwave, with little to no rainfall in the past three months.
The scorching heat has been relentless, with temperatures soaring 6.7 degrees above average in many regions. Katra in Jammu and Kashmir recorded a sizzling high of 40.8 degrees Celsius, while Jammu reached a scorching 44.3 degrees. Former IMD Director General, KJ Ramesh, explained that the expected respite from the heatwave has been delayed due to a shift in winds across the Arabian Sea. Another factor is the stagnation of the monsoon over West Bengal since June 1, keeping north India under the grip of the unforgiving heat. While Delhi might experience some intermittent relief from dust storms and scattered showers, these can only provide temporary cooling, lasting for a few hours or half a day. However, according to the weather office, a fresh western disturbance approaching northwest India, including Delhi, is expected to bring more substantial relief from the intense heat. Nonetheless, the true abatement of the heat can only occur once the monsoon finally reaches these areas, which could take more than 12 days.
