Northwest, Eastern India Sizzles Under Extreme Heatwave; Delhi, Rajasthan Among Worst Hit

Scorching heatwave conditions continue to grip northwest and eastern parts of India, with Delhi experiencing its hottest day of the season on Tuesday and sections of Rajasthan enduring intense temperatures.

Orange and yellow alerts remain active across multiple states as temperatures soar and high humidity adds to the discomfort.

Photo Credit: PTI

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the diminished impact of recent western disturbances has left residual moisture in the air, exacerbating the stifling heat. With the monsoon yet to reach northwestern India, the situation is expected to deteriorate further in the coming days.

Delhi Baked Under Season's Peak Temperature

Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season on Tuesday, reaching 43.8°C - 3.6 degrees above the seasonal average. The IMD issued an orange alert for the capital, in effect until Wednesday.

Forecasters warn that extreme heat will persist in the city until at least 12 June, with daytime temperatures anticipated to reach around 45°C and nighttime temperatures remaining high at approximately 29°C. Some respite may arrive from 12 June, with predictions of light rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds ranging between 30 and 40 km/h.

Red Alert Issued in Rajasthan

Western Rajasthan is in the grip of a severe heatwave, with temperatures in Ganganagar exceeding 47°C for two days running. The IMD has issued a red alert for the region for 11 and 12 June, with an orange alert in place for 13 June.

In eastern Rajasthan, a yellow alert has also been issued for the same day. Thunderstorm activity may bring temporary relief to parts of Rajasthan between 15 and 16 June, with a potential drop in temperatures expected in the eastern part of the state around 18-20 June.

Yellow Alert for Ludhiana

The IMD issued a yellow alert for Ludhiana on Tuesday, extending through to Thursday, following Monday's high of 44°C. According to the IMD's weekly forecast, temperatures in the city are expected to remain above 40°C until at least 16 June.

Although no major shift in weather patterns is expected in the immediate days ahead, Surender Paul, Director of the IMD's Chandigarh centre, noted a possibility of light rainfall and isolated thunderstorms, which could bring temperatures closer to normal levels.

Hill Stations in Himachal Also Scorched

Even high-altitude areas have not been spared, with Una in Himachal Pradesh logging a sweltering 44.2°C on Tuesday.

Several locations across the state are reporting above-normal temperatures, with popular hill stations such as Shimla and Manali also seeing unusually high readings.

The state's meteorological department forecasts dry conditions to continue across Himachal until 12 June, with the likelihood of light rain at isolated locations on 13 and 14 June.

(With PTI, ANI inputs)