On Wednesday, there were scorching record nighttime temperatures in Delhi, which were the highest in over ten years. This is happening as the Indian metropolis faces a challenging heatwave, affecting millions of its residents.
With temperatures reaching extremely high levels, several parts of India, particularly the northern region, are currently experiencing one of the hottest periods in the nation's history.
New Delhi, the nation's capital, is significantly impacted by its scorching heat, placing it in one of the areas most affected by this climatic condition.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the city recorded a temperature of 42 °C on Tuesday. Additionally, the heat index reached 51 °C, which measures the perceived temperature of the body. Furthermore, it was reported that the night was the hottest in nearly ten years, as temperatures rose to 35.2 °C.
The metropolis, with a population of 32 million, has experienced significantly lower levels of rainfall. This situation is exacerbated by the elevated surface temperatures.
In the past 72 hours, the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in the city has witnessed the loss of a minimum of five patients due to heatstroke. Most of these patients were engaged in daily-wage work.
The majority of the deceased individuals came from low-income and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Twelve out of the 36 patients who were admitted to the hospital starting on Tuesday are being treated for heatstroke.
According to medical sources, five patients who were admitted to the hospital with fevers of 41 degrees Celsius are currently receiving ventilation support. Additionally, it has been reported that three patients at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash hospital in the city have tragically passed away due to heatstroke.
As a result of the growing reliance on air conditioners and water coolers, power demand in Delhi has witnessed a significant surge.
According to the State Load Dispatch Centre, residents of the city reportedly consumed a high electricity rate of 8,647 MW on Tuesday.
The meteorological service of the nation predicts that the current heatwave is anticipated to persist until June 20 in Delhi and the adjoining states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.
According to the meteorological service, the below-average June rainfall in India is attributed to the delayed arrival of the monsoon, which poses concerns for the agricultural industry in the nation.
Typically, around June 1, the monsoon season commences as it progresses from the southern state of Kerala onto the Indian mainland.
Subsequently, it gradually moved in the northwest direction over the following three months, covering the entire subcontinent while providing approximately 75% of the annual rainfall and offering relief from the high temperatures.
However, according to data provided by the IMD (Indian Meteorological Department), it indicates that since the commencement of the monsoon season, India has experienced a rainfall deficit of 20% compared to the average precipitation.
India's economy and trade are significantly affected by the monsoon, as it plays a vital role in the country's agriculture by providing irrigation for over 50% of the nation's crop area.