Heatwave Warning for Northern India
India's weather department has issued a warning that parts of northern India, including the capital city Delhi, are expected to experience heatwaves over the upcoming weekend.
On Thursday, temperatures in some areas of Delhi exceeded 40°C, marking one of the hottest days recorded in the city this year.
Temperature Rise in Central and Western India
The weather department has also forecasted above-normal temperatures for the next two to three days in several states across central and western India, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Summers in India are known to be severe, often causing heat-related illnesses and fatalities among the population.
Further Temperature Increase Expected
On Friday, the weather department indicated that temperatures in northern and central India could rise by an additional 2 to 3°C.
Precautionary Measures in Schools
Earlier this week, Delhi's education department issued guidelines to schools to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions. These included suspending open-air classes and limiting outdoor assemblies or moving them indoors. Schools were also advised to ring a bell every 45 to 60 minutes to remind children to stay hydrated.
Impact of Climate Change on Heatwaves
A 2024 report published by the medical journal The Lancet found that nearly one-third of the heatwave days experienced in India during that year were attributable to climate change.
The report also estimated that heat exposure in 2024 led to the loss of 247 billion potential labor hours, primarily in the agriculture and construction sectors, resulting in an economic loss of approximately $194 billion (£151 billion).
Health Risks Associated with Extreme Heat
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to extreme heat poses significant health risks. It can overwhelm the body's temperature regulation mechanisms, increasing the likelihood of dehydration, heatstroke, cardiovascular stress, and even death, especially among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and outdoor workers.
