Amid polling for the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections in the national capital, the mercury touched 46.9 degrees Celsius in New Delhi, which was almost 7 degrees above normal. Following this, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the next four days, predicting a surge in the mercury level in the coming days.
IMD has forecasted that apart from Rajasthan and isolated areas of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh; the heatwave is expected to affect the Jammu division, Himachal Pradesh, West Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Central Maharashtra, and Gujarat as well.
IMD also notified on its social media handle X, stating that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions is likely to continue over many parts of West Rajasthan, some parts of Punjab, East Rajasthan, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh on 29th May.
As per the India Today report, the highest recorded temperatures in Delhi was recorded at 46.9 degrees Celsius in Mungeshpur, followed by 46.8 degrees Celsius in Najafgarh and 46.7 degrees Celsius in Narela.
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The IMD has also forecasted warm night conditions over Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh between May 24 and May 28.
The Delhi poll body has stated that it is in the process of making arrangements for the voters to overcome the scorching heat.
Heat Stroke Kills Six In Rajasthan
Six deaths due to suspected heat stroke were reported in Rajasthan, where temperatures soared to 49 degrees Celsius, India Today cites the officials report.
The state's Disaster Management and Relief Department reported three deaths in Balotra and one each in Bhilwara, Bikaner, and Jodhpur. Severe heatwave conditions affected many parts of the state, with Phalodi recording the highest temperature at 49 degrees Celsius.
The persistent heatwave, driven by a high-pressure system over Northern India, has caused daytime temperatures to rise significantly. The IMD has indicated that the heatwave is likely to continue, prompting authorities to implement necessary precautions to ensure public safety during the Lok Sabha elections.