Northern India remained in the grip of a severe heatwave on Wednesday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red alerts for Delhi and Punjab.
Meanwhile, states in southern India, including Telangana and Karnataka, are set to receive widespread rainfall over the coming days.
The IMD reported maximum temperatures in Delhi ranging from 40.9°C to 45.0°C across various parts of the city. The heat index, which factors in humidity, soared to a sweltering 51.9°C.
Ayanagar recorded the city’s highest temperature at 45°C, followed by Palam (44.5°C), Ridge (43.6°C), Pitampura (43.5°C), Lodi Road (43.4°C), Safdarjung (43.3°C), and Mayur Vihar (40.9°C).
Delhi's peak electricity demand surged to its highest this summer, reaching 8,231 megawatts at 10:55 pm on Wednesday, according to real-time data from the State Load Dispatch Centre.
Relief may be on the horizon, with the IMD forecasting a drop in temperatures in northwest India from 14 June. Naresh Kumar, senior scientist at the IMD, told the media agency that a western disturbance is likely to affect the region from the night of 13 June, potentially bringing light rain and thunderstorms to Delhi.
“No significant change in maximum temperatures is expected over East India in the next 24 hours. A gradual fall of 2–3°C is likely over the subsequent three days,” the IMD posted on X.
In Punjab, the heatwave showed no signs of abating, with dry conditions and significantly above-normal temperatures persisting. A red alert has been issued for 12 and 13 June, urging residents to guard against heat-related illnesses.
“Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over northwest India, including parts of the western Himalayas, until 13 June and reduce thereafter,” the IMD bulletin stated.
While the north continues to swelter, several southern states are preparing for intense rainfall.
The IMD issued an alert for heavy rain in 10 districts of Telangana on 12 June, including Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Jagtial, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Narayanpet, and Jogulamba Gadwal. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are also expected at isolated locations across the state.
In Karnataka, the southwest monsoon, which had briefly weakened, has resumed with vigour. Since Thursday morning, widespread rain has been recorded in various parts of the state. The IMD forecasts consistent rainfall through to 17 June.
Coastal and north interior Karnataka are expected to receive widespread rain until 17 June. South interior regions will see fairly widespread rain until 14 June, intensifying to widespread showers over the following three days.
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