Delhi is experiencing scorching temperatures, with several parts of the city surpassing 47 degrees Celsius, leading to a ‘red alert’ being issued for the next five days by the weather office. This extreme heatwave has prompted significant measures from authorities, including the closure of schools and heightened care for both people and animals.
The searing heat has driven the city’s peak power demand to its highest for May, reflecting the strain on resources and infrastructure. The Delhi government has directed schools that have not closed for summer vacations to do so immediately, considering the intense heatwave conditions.
Recent days have seen a relentless rise in temperatures, culminating in a peak of 47.4 degrees Celsius in Najafgarh, making it the second-highest maximum temperature recorded in the city. Other areas like Mungeshpur, Aya Nagar, Pusa, Pitampura, and Palam have also experienced extremely high temperatures, further exacerbating the heatwave’s impact.
The severe heatwave particularly affects vulnerable communities, including low-income households with limited access to water and cooling facilities. It also poses challenges for individuals who must venture outdoors for work and essential tasks.
In response, the Directorate of Education in Delhi has mandated summer vacations for all schools from May 11 to June 30, acknowledging the need to protect students and staff from the harsh weather conditions. This directive extends to government-aided and private schools to ensure uniformity in safety measures.
The surge in power demand, reaching a record 7,572 MW, highlights the strain on the city’s electrical infrastructure during this heatwave. Meanwhile, the National Zoological Park in Delhi has intensified its efforts to care for animals, providing water coolers, shelters, and other measures to mitigate the effects of the heatwave on wildlife.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of severe heatwave conditions, urging people to take precautions such as staying hydrated and avoiding heat exposure. The IMD’s seven-day forecast emphasizes the heightened risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
Sources By Agencies
