New Delhi, May 16
North India is reeling under the dual assault of an intense heatwave and rising air pollution, severely affecting daily life across several regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'Orange Alert' for 13 districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Mau, Ballia, Kaushambi, Jaunpur, and Azamgarh.
The alert signals a high risk of heat-related illnesses and calls for precautionary measures.
In these regions, daytime temperatures have soared to 41 degrees Celsius, with the IMD warning that the heatwave may intensify further over the next 48 hours.
Between May 16 and 18, Delhi is expected to record maximum temperatures between 40 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may hover around 26 degrees Celsius.
Along with scorching winds, humidity levels have surged to nearly 60 per cent, worsening the effects of the heatwave and increasing the likelihood of heatstroke.
Simultaneously, air pollution continues to deteriorate, aggravating health risks.
According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's Anand Vihar, Alipur, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, and Narela reported Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 300, placing them in the “very poor” category.