Summer has started showing its brutal side in parts of Northwest India as the region has fallen into the grip of an intense heat wave. The national capital, Delhi, where Lok Sabha election campaigning is reaching fever pitch, has been among the worst-hit by the ongoing heat wave. On Friday, southwest Delhi's Najafgarh recorded a maximum temperature of 47.4 degrees Celsius, making it the highest in the country so far this season.
Other parts of Delhi weren't spared by the heat wave, with the mercury settling at 46.5 degrees Celsius in Mungeshpur, 46.2 degrees in Aya Nagar, 45.9 degrees in Pusa and Jafarpur, 45.8 degrees in Pitampura, and 45.1 degrees in Palam.
Also read: Do's And Don'ts To Keep Yourself Safe As Delhi Reels Under Heat Wave
The threshold for a heat wave is met when the maximum temperature of a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, 37 degrees in the coastal areas, and 30 degrees in the hilly regions, with the departure from normal being at least 4.5 degrees. A severe heat wave is declared if the departure from normal exceeds 6.4 degrees.
Severe heat wave conditions are very likely in some parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi from May 18-21, the IMD warned. A fresh heat wave spell will commence over east and central India from Saturday.
Also read: India To Have Above-Normal Temperatures, 10-20 Days Of Heat Wave In April-June
According to the IMD, due to the heat wave, there is a need for "extreme care for vulnerable people" including infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases. It warned of an increased likelihood of heat-related illnesses in people exposed to the sun for prolonged periods or engaging in heavy work.
Here are some tips health experts say people should follow during a heat wave:
- Reduce exposure to heat during the day.
- When outside, wear sunscreen and try to stay in the shade.
- Stay hydrated and drink water at regular intervals.
- Eat fruits with high water content like watermelon, muskmelon, oranges, grapes, and pineapple.
- Wear light and loose clothes.
- Use AC, fans, or coolers when indoors.
- Take a cool shower.
The onset of the heat wave is bad news for Delhi and adjoining NCR cities, including Gurugram and Faridabad, where voting for the Lok Sabha elections will be held on May 25. In March, the Election Commission had also issued an advisory on the prevention of heat wave impact during the polling season.
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