Extreme weather events have resulted in fatalities across the country. In Kerala, seven individuals lost their lives due to flash floods and lightning caused by pre-monsoon rains, while in Rajasthan, five people perished due to severe heat. Additionally, two deaths were reported in Haryana and four in Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan's six cities rank among the top 10 hottest cities nationwide, with Barmer recording a scorching temperature of 48.8 degrees Celsius. Other cities are also experiencing temperatures exceeding 47 degrees.
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heatwaves in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat, and for rain in Kerala. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat are facing heatwaves, with Tamil Nadu on an orange alert for rain. Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh are the only states without extreme weather alerts. Electricity demand soared to 235,000 MW due to the heat, reaching a peak demand of 235 gigawatts on Wednesday, the highest this season.
The Ministry of Electricity anticipates breaking the all-time electricity consumption record of 243.27 GW in September 2023. The capital experienced a slight decrease in temperature on Thursday, providing some relief from the intense heat. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 41.4 degrees Celsius, down from 43.4 degrees on Wednesday. The weather department predicts a rise in temperatures on Friday, with a yellow alert issued.
In Najafgarh, the hottest area, temperatures soared to 42.4 degrees Celsius. Other areas also experienced high temperatures, with Jafarpur reaching 42 degrees, Pusa and Pimatpura at 41.3 degrees, Mungeshpur at 41.5 degrees, Aya Nagar at 41.2 degrees, and Narela at 41.1 degrees. Air quality improved in the capital, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 156 on Thursday from 191 on Wednesday. However, the weather department warns that air quality may deteriorate to the "bad" category on Sunday due to changing wind directions.