Major move by IMD and Greenpeace India: Heatwave warnings to now reach grassroots directly

National News: Northern India is currently going through an emergency situation of severe heat and heat waves. The soaring temperatures have caused such chaos across Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir that everyday life has come to a standstill. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert regarding the heatwave in many districts of the capital, Delhi, and Punjab.

Delhi: Capital burning in 'Red Alert'

On Thursday, Delhi sizzled as the mercury soared close to a scorching 44 degrees Celsius. The sky was completely clear, and hot winds kept people miserable throughout the day. The sun was strong since morning, and there was silence on the roads till noon. Those who went out for important work tried to protect themselves from the heat wave with umbrellas, towels, and water bottles.

IMD said that the minimum temperature in the capital was 30.7 degrees and the maximum was 43.9 degrees Celsius, which is much above normal. Earlier, similar conditions prevailed on Wednesday as well.

Rajasthan-Haryana: Heat breaks records

Sriganganagar in Rajasthan has once again made its place as the hottest city in the country. The temperature soared to a blistering 47.8 degrees Celsius in Sri Ganganagar, while Haryana’s Sirsa wasn’t far behind, recording a searing 47.4 degrees, painting a grim picture of the intense heat sweeping across northern India.

The roads in these areas looked deserted during the afternoon, and complaints of heatstroke were also received from laborers working in the fields at many places. Medical department teams are on alert, and ORS and first aid kits are being distributed in rural areas.

Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow crosses 44 for the first time

Lucknow crossed the 44-degree mark for the first time this season. Cities like Banda, Orai, Jhansi, and Kanpur also recorded temperatures close to 44.5 degrees. People were in double trouble due to power cuts and water shortages during the day. However, the news of relief is that pre-monsoon is expected to hit Purvanchal from Saturday.

Kashmir-Jammu: Fire raining in the mountains too

In Kashmir, the heat has broken seasonal norms, with temperatures in Kupwara, Anantnag, and Srinagar running 6 to 7 degrees Celsius above average. Meanwhile, in the Jammu division, seven districts—including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Ramban, and Reasi—are consistently recording temperatures above the 40-degree mark.

According to the Meteorological Department in Srinagar, light rainfall is likely in some areas starting from the night of June 13, owing to the influence of a western disturbance.

New Initiative in Delhi: 'Heat Alert Network' to Warn Laborers of Heatwaves

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and Greenpeace India have jointly started a pilot project in Delhi for the street vendors, sanitation workers, and construction workers who are most affected by the heat. Under this, heat alerts are being prepared in local languages ​​and shared on posters, WhatsApp groups, and public spots so that people can be alert in time.

This heat in North India is not just a weather event but is becoming a social crisis. The hope for relief now rests on the monsoon, which, according to meteorologists, may arrive in the next few days.