More than 65 percent of India sizzled on Tuesday under an episode of heatwave that is on its way of becoming the longest ever. Moreover, unbearable heat even was the reason of the death of four passengers travelling via Kerala express. Depleted water supplies were also seen as many tourists to hilly areas which also are of not much relief.
North, Central as well as South India saw temperatures above the 45 degree mark which included Jhansi, Churu, Bikaner, Hisar, Patiala, Bhopal as well as Gwalior.
Monday was the hottest day ever for Delhi, and yesterday was just a tad bit of a drop with maximums settling at 45.4 degrees Celsius. Cyclone Vayu which is ferocious right now has been pulling all the moisture leading to heat in the country.
With a heatwave spell extending 32 days, 2019 has seen the second-longest spell of searing temperatures ever seen. If the temperatures do not drop in the coming days, 2019 will become the year with heat wave episode being the longest ever.
Year 1988 saw 33 days with 2016 observing 32 such days. This time, Pre Monsoon rains have not made an appearance as frequently as they do with hot and dry winds continuously blowing over the region. Many reservoirs are running dry and the demand for water in North India is only increasing. Moreover, Delhi’s power demand was record breaking on Monday touching 6686 Mega watts.
Residents of the North who are tired of the slathering heat are flocking to the hills, choking the entry and exit roads, increasing hotel demands and what not. More than 15,000 vehicles have entered Manali and Shimla this month, and that too just during the weekends, which means around 60,000 individuals which happens to be about 33% of the number of inhabitants in these towns. The traveler deluge is more than once gagging all methodology streets to the little Himalayan hill stations and causing huge traffic growls in the mountains.
However, the good news is that in the next couple of days, heat is likely to subside and temperatures will inch back to their normal levels. It will be just the central region which will still see heat wave conditions while others are looking for some relief.
Image Credit: NDTV