Northern India on the boil: Heatwaves disrupt everyday life

A blistering heatwave is sweeping across northern India, with temperatures soaring far beyond the seasonal average, causing widespread disruptions and sparking serious health concerns. On Monday, the mercury in Sri Ganganagar, a desert city in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, hit a staggering 47.3°C (117°F), as per the Indian Meteorological Department. This marks one of the hottest temperatures recorded in recent years, though it falls short of the record high of 51°C (124°F) set in May 2016 in Phalodi, Rajasthan.

The intense heat is not just an uncomfortable seasonal occurrence but a significant challenge to the country's already overstretched healthcare system. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures often leads to heat strokes, a condition that disproportionately affects the poor, outdoor labourers, children, and older people. Last year, a month-long heatwave across parts of India claimed more than 100 lives and resulted in over 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke, according to data from the Ministry of Health.

In New Delhi, the capital city, temperatures climbed above 45°C (113°F) in one of its neighbourhoods on Monday, marking the first heatwave of the season. However, the real-feel temperature, which accounts for both heat and humidity, was even more oppressive. The combination of the soaring heat and high humidity is making life unbearable for many, particularly in urban areas.

For people like Pradeep Kumar, an autorickshaw driver in Delhi, the searing heat is taking a toll on both his health and his livelihood. "This heat makes us very tired. We drink water to keep up, but many times, our health gets affected," said Kumar. "I feel troubled." As many people avoid daytime commuting to escape the heat, Kumar's daily income is also shrinking.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued heatwave warnings for the coming days, particularly in northern states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and the National Capital Region of New Delhi. Some areas in these regions may experience light showers starting Thursday, which would bring some much-needed relief.

In Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, the situation is no less dire. Power grids are struggling to meet the demand for electricity as homes and businesses continue to run air conditioners and fans to cope with the heat. "There is no light for hours in the afternoon, just when the heat is unbearable," said Shabnam Khan, a homemaker in Lucknow, the state capital. "The fan stops, the cooler doesn't work, and we are left sitting on the floor, drenched in sweat."

This surge in power demand is unprecedented, with the state recording its highest-ever electricity demand of 30,161 megawatts late Sunday. Officials expect this figure to surpass 32,000 megawatts in the coming weeks as the heat continues.

Atul Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, stated that the battle against the brutal summer heat is far from over, as the monsoon rains, which typically bring relief, are still weeks away. "We are seeing the worst of both heat and humidity. This is no longer just a matter of discomfort. It is becoming a public health emergency," Singh warned.

As northern India continues to bake under the oppressive heat, the government and citizens alike must brace for what is shaping up to be one of the most challenging summer seasons in recent memory. With the mercury set to rise further in the coming weeks, the need for preventive measures and long-term solutions to combat heat-related health risks is more urgent than ever.