Rajasthan’s Phalodi has recorded a blistering 50°C amid an ongoing severe heatwave, coinciding with India’s sixth phase of general elections.
This temperature, the highest since Churu’s 50.8°C in June 2019, highlights the escalating extremities of Indian summers. Notably, Phalodi holds India’s all-time high temperature record of 51°C, set on May 19, 2016. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several states, indicating a very high likelihood of heat illness and heatstroke across all age groups. The severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist over the next few days, affecting the northern plains, central regions, and even the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya. On Saturday, extreme temperatures of 45°C or above were recorded in at least 17 locations across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan saw particularly high temperatures with Barmer reaching 48.8°C, Jaisalmer 48°C, and Bikaner 47.2°C.
West Bengal’s Cooch Behar (40.5°C), Assam’s Silchar (40°C), and Lumding (43°C), along with Arunachal Pradesh’s Itanagar (40.5°C) and Pasighat (39.6°C), also recorded their all-time high temperatures. Additional record-breaking temperatures in Assam included Tezpur (39.5°C), Mazbat (38.6°C), Dhubri (38.2°C), North Lakhimpur (39.2°C), and Mohanbari (38.8°C). The IMD has forecasted that the extreme heat will continue to impact regions including Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra until May 29. This includes parts of the hill states, with the red alert extending to Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
In addition to daytime heat, the IMD warns that high night temperatures will exacerbate heat-related stress, particularly in urban areas where the urban heat island effect leads to higher temperatures. This phenomenon prevents the body from cooling down during the night, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. The urban heat island effect is more pronounced in cities due to the concentration of buildings, vehicles, and human activities, making metropolitan areas significantly hotter than their rural counterparts. This can lead to increased energy consumption, elevated emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, and compromised human health and comfort.
In light of these conditions, the IMD advises residents in the affected areas to take necessary precautions to mitigate heat-related risks, including staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and ensuring proper ventilation in living spaces. The public is also urged to stay informed through regular updates from the IMD and local authorities.
