New Delhi: As a fatal heat wave sweeps the country as extreme weather events establish new records in a number of locations, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, reported a maximum temperature of 47 degrees Celsius today, the city’s highest for April in almost 20 years.
The highest temperature ever recorded for the month was 46.3 degrees Celsius on April 30, 1999. It was 44.3 last year, and it will be 43.7 in 2020.
Temperatures aren’t expected to drop below 40 degrees until at least May 5, according to the seven-day forecast, though there will be a steady decline in temperature from tomorrow forward.
A heatwave is declared when a region reaches a maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius based on absolute temperatures. If the temperature rises above 47 degrees, a severe heatwave is declared.
Haryana, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are likely to log peak temperatures on Friday, India Meteorological Department (IMD) senior scientist RK Jenamani told news agency PTI.
Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana may witness light rainfall and thunderstorm between May 2 and May 4. The maximum temperature will be between 36 degrees and 39 degrees Celsius, Mr Jenamani said.
The heat wave has also triggered a power outage across the country, as demand for coal outstrips supply.
Today, the mercury is expected to reach 46 degrees Celsius in a few parts of the nation’s capital, Delhi.
On Thursday, the Safdarjung observatory, which serves as Delhi’s base station, reported a maximum temperature of 43.5 degrees Celsius, the highest April temperature in 12 years.
The Delhi administration warned on Thursday of a possible setback in providing uninterrupted electricity to key services in the capital, such as Metro trains and hospitals, due to rising temperatures and rising power consumption.
The IMD said the heatwave could lead to “moderate” health concerns for vulnerable people – infants, elderly people and those with chronic diseases.
India saw its warmest March this year since the IMD began keeping records 122 years ago amid a 71-per cent rain deficit. Parts of the country are also seeing wheat yields drop by up to 35 per cent due to the unseasonal heat.
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