Mercury crosses 50°C: Why scorching heat has gripped parts of north, central India

Warm night conditions will also continue to prevail in Delhi and adjoining regions till June 2.

As a heatwave swept across North India, Delhi recorded its hottest day this season with the maximum temperature reaching 50 degrees Celsius in several areas on Tuesday.

The national capital’s official weather station at Safdarjung recorded a temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius. However, the outskirts of Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh reported temperatures above 49 degrees Celsius. In Mungeshpur and Narela, 49.9 degrees Celsius was recorded. This is nine notches above the normal temperature for this time of the year. Najafgarh was recorded at 49.8 degrees Celsius, while Pitampura and Pusa recorded 48.5 degrees.

What does IMD say?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a “red” alert for Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday. The agency has predicted a maximum temperature of 46 degrees in Delhi. An ‘orange’ alert has also been issued for severe heatwave conditions in Uttar Pradesh.

“Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are very likely in many or most parts of Rajasthan; in some or many parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi; in isolated parts of West Uttar Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh during May 27th-29th and gradual reduction thereafter,” the IMD said in its bulletin.

Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely to gradually reduce over central and northwest India from May 30, the weather body said. According to IMD, warm night conditions will continue to prevail in Delhi and adjoining regions till June 2.

Which were the 10 hottest cities on May 28?

Churu (Rajasthan): 50.5°C
Sirsa (Haryana): 50.3°C
Mungeshpur (Delhi): 49.9°C
Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh): 49.0°C
Prithvipur (Madhya Pradesh): 48.5°C
Daltonganj (Jharkhand): 47.5°C
Bhatinda (Punjab): 47.2°C
Dehri (Bihar): 47.0°C
Mungeli (Chhattisgarh): 47.0°C
Boudh (Odisha): 45.9°C

Reasons behind heatwave

According to IMD director-general, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the heatwave conditions over northwest and central India have occurred due to the absence of western disturbances in the latter half of May. Western disturbances are extra-tropical weather systems formed over the Mediterranean Sea that move from the west to the east.

Scientists had already predicted the heatwave conditions largely due to the El Nino effect. El Niño alters global weather patterns by shifting warm water to the Eastern Pacific, heating the air and causing hotter weather worldwide.

El Niño, which raises ocean temperatures, along with a high-pressure system blocking moist sea breezes from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, led to record-high April temperatures across India.

Hidden dangers of rising nighttime temperatures

According to Indian Express, Urban heat islands (UHIs) contribute to higher nighttime temperatures to a great extent. Cities, with their concrete, asphalt, and reduced vegetation, absorb and retain heat, releasing it slowly overnight. Dr Chaitanya H R , senior consultant physician at Athreya Hospital, Bengaluru told Indian Express, “High nighttime temperatures exacerbate the health impacts of heatwaves by not allowing the body to cool down after the day’s heat.”
According to Chaitanya, when temperatures do not drop significantly overnight, the human body cannot recover from the daytime heat stress. This can lead to increased core body temperature, persistent sweating, and strain on the heart.What are the preventive measures?

•Drink water throughout the day even if you are not feeling thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate your body.

•Take showers and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.

•Limit all outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks and drink water regularly.

•Eat light, easily digestible meals in the evening. Heavy meals can increase your body’s metabolic rate and generate more heat.

•Always keep an eye on children and elderly members of the family, especially those who are struggling with chronic health conditions.