What causes surge in heatwaves in northwest India?

As temperatures surge to 47 degrees Celsius, Delhi has ordered the closure of all schools due to the ongoing heatwaves in Northwest India. This decision comes ahead of the final two phases of voting for the Lok Sabha elections.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) explained that different weather patterns are causing the temperatures to rise significantly in the northwestern region of the country.

According to IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy, this month, they were expecting 7-10 days of heatwave in the northwestern regions, which is higher than the usual 2-3 days.

This was largely due to the recent non-monsoon thundershowers, an active but low-intensity El Niño effect, and warm westerly winds that originate from Pakistan, all contributing to the extremely hot weather.

In other parts of India as well, temperatures have already soared to record peaks. This includes eastern and southern India, where temperatures in April reached the highest ever recorded levels.

On Sunday, Najafgarh area in southwest Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 47.8 degrees Celsius (118.04F), marking the highest temperature experienced this summer.

Amidst this intense heat, Delhi will vote on May 25(Saturday) for the 6th phase of the general elections.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heatwave in Delhi this week. This means there’s a high chance of heat-related health issues for people who are exposed to heat and who don’t take enough precautions.

This week, severe heatwave conditions are highly anticipated in several parts of grain-producing states like Punjab and Haryana in the northwest. Moreover, areas in Delhi, nearby Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are also expected to experience extreme heat.

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