India's Severe Weather Extremes: Heatwaves Grip North, Floods Ravage Northeast
Team Finance Saathi
18/Jun/2024

Key Points:
- Delhi and northern states under IMD's red alert due to severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.
- Northeastern states experiencing heavy rainfall and floods, leading to casualties and damages.
- IMD forecasts continued extreme weather conditions across various parts of India, with detailed temperature anomalies and warnings.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi and its neighboring states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh as a severe heatwave grips the region, pushing temperatures well above normal. The alert, effective until June 19, warns of dangerously high temperatures that have already surpassed 45 degrees Celsius in Delhi, exacerbating heat-related health risks across the area. This intense heatwave extends from Ladakh in the north to Jharkhand in the east, affecting millions of people and necessitating precautionary measures.
Simultaneously, the northeastern states of India are grappling with a contrasting weather scenario. Heavy rainfall has lashed several parts, particularly in Sikkim, triggering landslides and floods. The adverse weather conditions have resulted in casualties, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to such natural calamities during the monsoon season. In Guwahati, continuous rain has been forecasted for the upcoming week, underscoring the variability in weather patterns across different parts of the country.
In terms of temperature anomalies, cities across northern and central India have reported significant deviations from normal averages. Places like Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh recorded a scorching 47.6 degrees Celsius, marking a substantial deviation from the expected temperatures. Similarly, in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, temperatures soared to unprecedented levels, posing challenges to local residents and infrastructure.
The IMD's weather reports indicate that the heatwave conditions are expected to persist over the coming days in many parts of northwest India, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Cities like Chandigarh, Bathinda, and Jind have reported temperatures nearing 47 degrees Celsius, affecting daily life and agricultural activities in these regions. The situation is exacerbated by warm nighttime temperatures, which are also significantly above normal, adding to the discomfort faced by residents.
Conversely, in the eastern and northeastern states, the focus remains on mitigating the impacts of heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. States like Assam and Sikkim are experiencing the brunt of monsoon rains, leading to infrastructure damage and disruptions in daily routines. Efforts are underway to manage the fallout from landslides and inundation, with authorities issuing advisories to affected populations.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts marginal relief from the extreme heatwave in some parts of northwest India, with a slight decrease in temperatures expected. However, central and eastern regions are likely to continue experiencing above-average temperatures, necessitating sustained monitoring and preparedness measures.
Overall, the contrasting weather phenomena in different parts of India underscore the country's vulnerability to climate extremes. The combination of severe heatwaves in the north and heavy rains and floods in the northeast presents a complex challenge for local administrations and communities alike. As climate patterns evolve, understanding and adapting to these extremes will be crucial for resilience and disaster preparedness efforts across India.
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