New Delhi: A scorching heatwave had pushed temperatures soaring across broad swaths of India, with Delhi reaching 46 degrees Celsius, news agency PTI reported.


In addition, the national capital saw its second warmest April in 72 years, with a monthly average maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius.


On Sunday morning, the city's lowest temperature was 25.2 degrees Celsius, with mostly clear sky predicted by the meteorological office. At 8:30 a.m., the relative humidity was 55 percent.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted earlier this week that a new heatwave will commence across northwest India on May 7 and throughout central India on May 8, PTI reported.


Centre Urges States/UTs To Review Health Facility Preparedness Amidst Rising Temperature


The Centre had last week urged states and union territories to review their health facility preparedness for the availability of adequate quantities of medicines and equipment, as well as sufficient drinking water and the continued operation of cooling appliances in critical areas, midst the country's intense heatwave, PTI reported.


The Centre also encouraged individuals to avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12 and 3 p.m., to avoid intense activities outside in the afternoon, and to avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, or beverages with a lot of sugar, since they might induce greater fluid loss or stomach cramps.


People were also cautioned not to leave children or pets in parked automobiles, as well as to avoid high protein and stale foods.


Revising Timings, Restricting Outdoor Activities: Delhi Schools Take Steps As Mercury Soars


Because of the temperature in the national capital region, schools are revising schedules, prohibiting outside activities, supplying ORS and glucose sachets, and continually urging pupils to remain hydrated.


While experts warn that closing schools due to heatwaves is not an option, offline lessons have resumed after nearly two years owing to the Covid-induced pandemic.


Due to the increasing heat, all outside activities have been restricted, according to Shubhi Soni, the Head of the Shri Ram Wonder Years school in Rohini.


"School timings will also be revised as per the prevailing conditions and dispersal in the afternoon peak hours will be avoided to prevent heat strokes and energy drainage among students," she was quoted by PTI in its report.


"We also have an emergency kit for use, which comprises ORS, glucose, and oral electrolyte to be given to children if they need it. The school staff is keeping a thorough check on children and constantly motivating them to drink water to manage the heatwave," she said.


(With Inputs From PTI)