Northwest India Faces Extended Heat Alert from IMD

Northwest India is staring at another prolonged period of extreme heat, with the weather department confirming that heatwave conditions will persist for at least four to five more days. Red alerts are active in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, while yellow alerts cover Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged, offering little hope of immediate relief. A western disturbance centered over Jammu and Kashmir is likely to produce thunderstorms and strong winds across the Himalayan states. Isolated hail is possible in parts of Jammu, leading to an orange alert. Although some storms may affect the plains, forecasters stress that any cooling effect will be temporary and localized. On Sunday, residents across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh endured another day of oppressive heat. Many voiced concerns about the toll on human health, wildlife, and agriculture. Health officials recommend avoiding outdoor exposure between noon and 4 pm, maintaining hydration, and watching for early signs of heat exhaustion. In Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, searing temperatures have driven people off the streets. Local traders say sales have dried up, while e-rickshaw drivers report losing daily earnings. In Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur, businesswomen selling clay pots and flower sellers describe near-zero customers. With the Nautapa period looming, authorities are urging extra caution and close monitoring of vulnerable populations.