The temperature has been rising at a very fast pace in Uttarakhand as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has alerted the state to the heat wave situation in several districts till May 22. As per the weather department, at least four districts, including Dehradun, will see mercury reaching above 40 degrees Celsius, prompting concerns for public health and daily life.
Uttarakhand, traditionally famous for its pleasant climate and cool hill stations, is now witnessing extremely hot weather conditions in the summer this year. The warning is just for low-lying and flat areas like Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and parts of Nainital district. Over the next few days, temperatures will reach the 90s during the day, and hot winds will be possible in these areas.
Dry weather and prolonged exposure to high sun are helping to drive up temperatures, have said meteorologists. In Dehradun, the temperature is likely to stay high and above normal, and it will be difficult to do outdoor activities in the afternoon. Police worry dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses may occur among children, the elderly and individuals with health-related issues due to extended exposure to heat.
The state administration has issued advisories for precaution measures for people during the heatwave period, following the alert. The people have been warned to stay home from noon until 4 PM unless they have to go. Wear light cotton clothing to avoid extreme heat, drink more water and use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to stay hydrated are also recommended.
Schools, local authorities and disaster management teams have been urged to be vigilant and raise awareness of the potential dangers of heatwaves. Additionally, officials are keeping a track of the water supply situation in the impacted districts to ensure that no water shortage will occur during the hot season.
This heat wave in Uttarakhand is a small example of the extreme weather witnessed in many parts of India these days. Some northern states are experiencing record high temperatures this month, with temperatures reaching as high as 45 degrees Celsius in some areas. The warming trend could be due to the impact of delayed western disturbances and altered climatic conditions, according to meteorologists.
The IMD is likely to keep a close watch on the situation and will issue more alerts, if any, if the temperature goes beyond the current forecast.
