North India sizzles under severe heatwave

Intense heatwave has gripped north India, with temperatures soaring well above 45°C in many regions, prompting the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana.

- NEERAJ MOHAN

The scorching heat, compounded by dry "loo" winds and unusually warm nights, has disrupted daily life, strained infrastructure, and raised alarms over public health and agriculture in water-stressed areas.

Sweltering heatwave conditions continue to tighten their grip over Delhi and Rajasthan. The IMD has warned of persistently high temperatures across Northwest India.

According to the latest IMD updates, maximum temperatures in Delhi are hovering between 40°C and 44°C. With a yellow alert in effect, the IMD forecasts a further rise of 4-5°C in the coming days, potentially pushing temperatures by June 13-14.

Conditions are even more extreme in Rajasthan, where several parts of West Rajasthan are reporting high temperatures.

The IMD report suggests blistering temperatures across several districts in northern states, with Punjab's Bathinda sizzling at 47.6°C, while Ludhiana touched 46°C.