Wednesday, May 22, 2024 Severe heatwave grips Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, prompting urgent travel alerts. Expect major disruptions and plan accordingly. Climate change is exacerbating heatwaves globally, and the current severe temperatures in India exemplify this trend.
As global temperatures climb, heatwaves are becoming more frequent, prolonged, and intense, disrupting ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure. This shift is particularly impactful on the travel and tourism sectors, with disruptions due to extreme heat becoming increasingly common. These conditions highlight the urgent need for robust climate action to mitigate the effects and adapt to the new challenges presented by such extreme weather events.
A widespread heatwave has gripped large portions of the nation in recent days, critically affecting the health and daily lives of its inhabitants. Forecasts indicate that the oppressive heat will persist for at least another five days in several states, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and the northwestern parts of Madhya Pradesh. The Weather Service has triggered a red alert for these areas, emphasizing the critical need for protecting those most at risk due to the severe temperatures.
The unusually high temperatures are also affecting the lower elevations of Himachal Pradesh, typically considered a haven from the intense heat of the plains. Chandigarh is also facing harsh heatwave conditions, with predictions .
