Severe Heatwave Alert: Top 10 Hottest Cities in India

New Delhi: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe heatwave warning for several states over the next three days. This heatwave is expected to affect Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, offering no respite from the relentless heat.

Current Heatwave Conditions

The IMD’s latest weather bulletin indicates that heatwave conditions are likely to extend to parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The situation is particularly dire in Delhi, which is under a red alert. The capital’s maximum temperature is predicted to reach 46 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 27 degrees Celsius. On Monday, the Safdarjung observatory recorded a maximum of 45.1 degrees Celsius, 4.7 degrees above normal, while Mungeshpur hit 48.8 degrees Celsius. Phalodi in Rajasthan was the hottest in the country at 49.4 degrees Celsius.

Top 10 Hottest Cities in India

1. Churu, Rajasthan: Recorded a scorching 50.5 degrees Celsius.
   
2. Mungeshpur, Delhi: Temperatures soared to 48.8 degrees Celsius.
   
3. Niwari, Madhya Pradesh: Maximum temperature reached 48.7 degrees Celsius.
   
4. Bhatinda, Punjab: Recorded a high of 48.4 degrees Celsius.
   
5. Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh: Reached 47 degrees Celsius.
   
6. Kandla, Gujarat: Recorded 45.3 degrees Celsius.
   
7. Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Hit a maximum of 45 degrees Celsius.
   
8. Nagpur, Maharashtra: Recorded 44 degrees Celsius.
   
9. Una, Himachal Pradesh: Maximum temperature recorded at 44 degrees Celsius.
   
10. Bhaderwah, Jammu & Kashmir: A relatively cooler maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius.

Weather Forecast and Advisory

Despite the heatwave, a significant drop of 3-5 degrees Celsius is expected in Rajasthan by the end of May. However, severe heatwave conditions will persist in the state for the next 48 hours, particularly in Phalodi, Barmer, and Jaisalmer, where temperatures are continuously crossing 48 degrees Celsius.

Protective Measures

Residents in the affected areas are advised to:

• Stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight.
  
• Use umbrellas or wear hats to protect against the sun.
  
• Limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
  
• Keep an eye on vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly.

Stay informed with the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from the extreme heat conditions predicted in the coming days.