In a historic meteorological event, northwest India, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, is currently enduring what experts are calling the most prolonged and intense heatwave since records began in 1951. The region has been consistently experiencing scorching temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for an unprecedented 33-day period from May 16 to June 17 this year, according to data analysed by meteorologists.
This prolonged heatwave is not only characterized by exceptionally high daytime temperatures but also by unusually warm nighttime conditions, exacerbating the heat stress on residents, particularly those without access to cooling amenities such as air conditioners or coolers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has noted a phenomenon of “warm nights,” where temperatures remain oppressively high even during nocturnal hours, providing little relief to the population.
“The combination of soaring daytime highs and warm nighttime temperatures has created challenging conditions, amplifying heat stress across the affected areas,” stated an IMD official. This situation is further compounded by reports of residents in parts of Delhi receiving unusually warm tap water throughout the day and night. The severity of this heatwave extends beyond northwest India, with significant swathes of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh also grappling with their most extended periods of extreme heat in over seven decades. Approximately 44% of Gujarat and 34% of Uttar Pradesh have reported similar extreme heat conditions, marking a significant climatic anomaly for these regions.
Meteorological data indicates that nearly a quarter of India’s geographical area is currently experiencing one of the top five longest heat spells ever recorded, with the impact extending to over 40% of the country’s landmass ranking within the top 20 longest heat spells. This widespread phenomenon underscores the exceptional nature of the ongoing heatwave across the nation. Explaining the root cause, IMD officials attribute the persistent high temperatures not only to extreme daytime heating but also to the lack of nighttime cooling due to the lingering warmth from the day. “When maximum temperatures soar above 45-46°C, it’s inevitable that nighttime temperatures remain abnormally high,” commented an IMD spokesperson.
As the heatwave persists, authorities are urging precautionary measures, emphasizing hydration and avoidance of outdoor activities during peak sun hours. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely, providing regular updates and advisories to mitigate the impacts of this unprecedented weather event on public health and safety. This exceptional heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies and resilience-building efforts in vulnerable regions across India.
