By A News Desk
Updated: June 18, 2025 • 11:30 AM IST
1. Key Highlights
- Orange Alert Issued: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heat wave conditions across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
- Record Temperatures: Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, hit a sweltering 47.3 °C on June 16, the highest in the region this year .
- Health Advisory: Residents—especially those over 60—are urged to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours.
2. Expert Analysis
“This early-season heat wave is directly linked to reduced pre-monsoon showers and larger climate change trends,” explains Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll, Monsoon Mission Scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Read his profile here for more on his 12 years of climate research.
What the Science Says
- Peer‑Reviewed Study: A 2024 paper in Environmental Research Letters found pre-monsoon rainfall deficits in northwestern India have increased by 15% over the last two decades.
- WHO Guidelines: The World Health Organization’s 2024 Heatwave Guidelines recommend limiting outdoor activity when temperatures rise above 40 °C, especially in high-humidity regions.
3. Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 14 | IMD issues yellow alert for parts of North India. |
| June 16 | Sri Ganganagar records 47.3 °C; orange alert escalated. |
| June 17 | State governments activate cooling centers; water tankers deployed. |
| June 18–20 | Heat wave expected to persist; possible relief only after monsoon. |
4. Impact & Response
- Public Health: Hospitals in Delhi report a 20% spike in heat‑related admissions over the past 48 hours.
- Power Demand: Northern grid peak demand hit 89 GW yesterday, stretching capacity—official figures from the Ministry of Power.
- Government Measures:
- Deployment of 1,200 cooling centers.
- Emergency water tankers across 150 urban hotspots.
- Mobile medical units on standby for rural outreach.
5. Fact-Check
| Claim | Verification Source |
|---|---|
| IMD Orange Alert for five states | Official IMD bulletin (imd.gov.in) |
| Sri Ganganagar at 47.3 °C | AP News through IMD press release |
| Power demand reached record 89 GW | Ministry of Power statement (gov.in) |
6. Daily Digest
Stay tuned for our Daily Digest featuring live updates:
- Morning briefing on peak temperatures.
- Expert interviews on long‑term climate trends.
- Infographic on heat adaptation tips (Coming tomorrow).
7. FAQ
Q: How long will the heat wave last?
A: IMD forecasts relief only after the monsoon onset around June 22.
Q: Who is most at risk?
A: Elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with pre‑existing cardio‑respiratory conditions.
Q: What precautions should I take?
- Stay hydrated with ORS or electrolyte solutions.
- Avoid outdoor exercise between 11 AM–4 PM.
- Use fans, cool showers, and air‑conditioned spaces when possible.
Author Credentials:
A News Desk is our in‑house team of climate and health journalists. For more about our editorial standards, see our E‑A‑T guidelines.
