Large parts of India are grappling with a scorching heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius in 37 cities. Rajasthan's Phalodi, experiencing its second consecutive day as the hottest place in the country, reached a sweltering 49.8 degrees Celsius. Just a day earlier, the city had hit a blistering 50 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature recorded in the country since June 2019.

The intense heat has prompted Maharashtra's Akola to enforce Section 144 until May 31, prohibiting public gatherings. A 'red' warning has been issued for several states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, indicating a high risk of heat-related illnesses and heat stroke for all age groups.

Official data reveals multiple heat-related deaths in Rajasthan over the past three days. Additionally, at least 37 places across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh registered temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Even Himachal Pradesh's Shimla, known for its cooler climate, recorded a sweltering 30.6 degrees Celsius, while Una soared to 44.4 degrees Celsius.

In Delhi, eight locations saw temperatures surpassing 46 degrees Celsius, with Mungeshpur and Najafgarh reaching 48.3 and 48.1 degrees Celsius, respectively. Punjab's Faridkot and Haryana's Narnaul also experienced scorching temperatures of 47 and 47.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.

As the mercury continues to rise, power demand has surged to 239.96 gigawatts, the highest this season, with air conditioners and coolers operating at full capacity. The Central Water Commission reports a significant drop in water storage in major reservoirs, exacerbating water shortages in many states and affecting hydropower generation.

Rajasthan's Barmer, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer witnessed temperatures soaring to 49, 48.6, and 48.5 degrees Celsius, respectively. To address the challenges posed by the extreme heat, Rajasthan CM, Bhajanlal Sharma announced round-the-clock monitoring to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supply.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of severe heat waves in parts of Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra until May 29. Warm night conditions could further intensify heat-related stress, particularly in urban areas where the urban heat island effect exacerbates rising temperatures.

Experts emphasise the need for precautionary measures, especially for vulnerable populations, to mitigate the adverse effects of heat waves on health, agriculture, power generation, and the economy. (Source: ET)