The national capital's maximum temperature on May 20 hit 47.4 degrees Celsius, the highest in the nation, among increasing temperatures across North India.
The heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist for the next five days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has issued a severe heatwave red alert for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Chandigarh.
In certain areas of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch, heatwave conditions are predicted for May 23.
Peak power demand
The national capital's peak power consumption for May reached an all-time high on Monday due to a heatwave in some areas of Delhi, as reported by ANI citing power distribution company authorities.
Delhi government issues immediate closure of schools
The Delhi government ordered government-aided and private schools that had not started summer break yet to do so right away due to the heat. In a circular, the Directorate of Education mandated that, for this academic year, all schools start their summer holiday on May 11 and end on June 30.
Due to the heatwave, IMD has advised "extreme care for vulnerable people" in its seven-day prediction. It also advised staying hydrated by drinking enough water, using ORS, or making homemade beverages like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk.
The extreme heat is trying the patience of those who must go outside for work or other errands, especially low-income households, who sometimes have little access to water and air conditioning.
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