As India enters the peak of summer, the country is experiencing two starkly contrasting weather extremes—a brutal heatwave sweeping through the northern plains, and heavy monsoon rains making landfall in the southern regions. With Delhi and Punjab under a red alert, and monsoon showers lashing Telangana and Karnataka, citizens are urged to take necessary precautions.
🔥 Red Alert Issued for Delhi, Punjab Due to Severe Heatwave
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘Red Alert’ for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. This alert comes after several consecutive days of record-breaking high temperatures, with mercury levels hovering between 44°C and 47°C in several areas.
What Does a ‘Red Alert’ Mean?
A red alert is the highest level of warning issued by the IMD, indicating a “very severe” heatwave condition. It is issued when the maximum temperature is expected to rise above normal by 6.5°C or more for two consecutive days. This poses a serious health risk, especially to vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
Delhi’s Record Heat
Delhi’s Palam, Najafgarh, and Mungeshpur regions reported temperatures between 46°C and 47°C, forcing the closure of outdoor activities in many schools and the scaling down of public events. The Delhi government has issued advisories asking residents to:
- Stay indoors during peak afternoon hours (12 PM to 4 PM)
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
- Keep pets and livestock in shade with access to water
🌾 Impact on Agriculture and Power Supply
The scorching temperatures are not just a public health concern—they are also wreaking havoc on agriculture in Punjab and Haryana, both critical contributors to India’s food grain production. Experts warn that standing paddy and vegetable crops may get scorched, leading to reduced yields.
Simultaneously, power grids are under immense pressure, with Delhi’s electricity demand hitting record peaks due to increased use of air conditioning and cooling appliances. Scheduled and unscheduled power cuts have been reported in several areas.
🌧️ Monsoon Rains Bring Relief in Telangana and Karnataka
While the north bakes under the heatwave, the south is experiencing a very different weather picture. The southwest monsoon has officially arrived in parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, bringing with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning activity.
Flash Flood Warnings in Hyderabad
The city of Hyderabad saw over 70 mm of rainfall in just 12 hours, leading to waterlogging, traffic jams, and disruption of public transport. The GHMC disaster response team has been deployed across several low-lying areas, and residents are being advised to avoid travel unless necessary.
The IMD has also issued yellow and orange alerts for several Telangana districts, including Nalgonda, Warangal, Karimnagar, and Adilabad. Residents are warned about:
- Localized flooding
- Tree and pole falls due to gusty winds
- Lightning risks in open areas
Karnataka Sees Widespread Showers
Coastal and interior regions of Karnataka, especially Bengaluru, Mangalore, and Mysuru, have received moderate to heavy rainfall. The rainfall has brought welcome relief from summer heat and helped recharge water reservoirs, which had dipped to low levels earlier this year.
🛰️ Satellite Data and IMD Forecast
According to satellite imagery and IMD data:
- North India is expected to remain under extreme heat conditions for the next 48-72 hours, especially in Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and western UP.
- South India, particularly Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana, will receive widespread rainfall due to monsoon moisture and low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal.
- Central India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, is experiencing mixed conditions, with intermittent heat and patchy pre-monsoon showers.
🚨 Government and Health Advisories
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and state governments have issued joint advisories:
🛑 For Heatwave-Affected Areas:
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid dehydration
- Do not step out without head protection (cap/umbrella)
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and high-protein food during the day
- Keep cool indoors and ensure proper ventilation
- Do not leave children or pets inside parked vehicles
🌧️ For Monsoon-Affected Areas:
- Avoid flood-prone roads and water-logged underpasses
- Stay away from electric poles or wires during rain
- Clear roof drains and gutters to prevent water accumulation
- Keep emergency supplies ready
- Follow local weather bulletins and alerts
🧓👶 Vulnerable Populations at Risk
The extreme weather has disproportionately affected:
- Elderly individuals suffering from blood pressure or heart issues
- Children who are more prone to heatstroke and dehydration
- Outdoor workers including construction laborers and farmers
- Street vendors, who are exposed to prolonged heat and humidity
NGOs and state authorities have started cooling shelter setups in Delhi and Haryana, while community kitchens in southern states have been opened to serve warm meals and support those displaced by floodwaters.
🗓️ What to Expect Next?
According to the IMD’s extended forecast:
- Heatwave conditions are expected to ease by June 15 in northern states due to an approaching western disturbance.
- Monsoon will continue to advance northward and is likely to cover most of central and eastern India by June 20.
- Heavy rains are expected to intensify in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and coastal Andhra Pradesh over the coming days.
🌍 Climate Change and Increasing Extremes
Meteorologists and climate experts warn that such simultaneous weather extremes—scorching heatwaves in one region and flooding rains in another—are becoming more common due to climate change. Warmer global temperatures are making heatwaves more intense and frequent, while also altering the timing and intensity of monsoons.
✅ Conclusion
India finds itself at the crossroads of extreme heat and heavy rainfall, highlighting the need for greater preparedness and public awareness. As Delhi and Punjab struggle under severe heatwave conditions, Telangana and Karnataka are battling monsoon disruptions. While nature shows its contrasting moods, the resilience of India’s people and coordinated efforts by authorities offer hope.
Stay alert, stay hydrated, and follow your local weather advisories as India rides through another challenging monsoon season.