Bhubaneswar, May 20: Intense heat is making life difficult for residents in various parts of the country. States like Odisha, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have reported temperatures consistently exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts for several regions due to the heatwave conditions. Streets appear deserted during the day as people are compelled to stay indoors.
Manorama Mohanty, the director of the Meteorological Department in Bhubaneswar, stated that in the last 24 hours, around 21 weather stations in the state recorded temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or higher. Jharsuguda district was the hottest, with a maximum temperature of 44.8 degrees Celsius. Other areas reported 44 degrees in Hirakud, 43.6 degrees in Sambalpur, and 40.1 degrees in Bhubaneswar.
According to the Meteorological Department, heatwave conditions, warm nights, and humid weather are expected to persist for the next five days. Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Nayagarh, Bolangir, and several other districts are likely to experience severe heat. Coastal Odisha has also been warned about the hot and humid weather. Residents are advised to venture outside only when absolutely necessary and to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
In Punjab and Haryana, temperatures are also breaking records. Surinder Pal, the director of the Meteorological Department in Chandigarh, indicated that heatwave-like conditions will continue for the next 48 hours. Rohtak in Haryana recorded a temperature of 46.9 degrees Celsius, while Faridkot in Punjab reached 47 degrees.
Pal noted that the situation is particularly severe in the southwestern parts of Haryana and the northeastern regions of Punjab. An orange alert has been issued for the next 48 hours. However, some relief may be on the horizon with the possibility of light storms and rain. Still, residents are urged to remain cautious.
Surinder Pal emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, advising people to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. He also recommended avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
In Uttar Pradesh, conditions remain alarming. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for extreme heat in 11 districts. Dr. Manish Ranalkar, the chief meteorologist in Lucknow, reported that temperatures in several districts have reached dangerously high levels, prompting advisories for the public.
The effects of the heatwave are evident in districts like Hamirpur, where doctors at local hospitals are advising residents to stay indoors. Dr. Mohit Singh stressed the importance of hydration and sun protection to avoid heat-related illnesses. Local residents have complained about insufficient drinking water facilities at bus stands and public places, exacerbating their difficulties.
In Firozabad, the administration is on high alert. District Magistrate Santosh Kumar Sharma has instructed officials to set up cooling centers and prepare for the heatwave. Hospitals have also been advised to remain ready to treat individuals affected by the heat.
As temperatures rise nationwide, health experts continue to urge caution. Doctors recommend that children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions take extra precautions. Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.
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