LUCKNOW, India: Swathes of India from the northwest to the southeast braced for more scorching heat on Monday, with New Delhi under a severe weather alert as extreme temperatures strike parts of the country.
The Indian Meteorological Department issued a heat wave warning for seven southern and central states on Monday and broadened it to the capital and some northern states on Monday as sizzling temperatures breached normal levels.
The forecast said blistering heat will continue for the next few days before rains bring some relief. The southwest monsoon is slightly delayed this year, and it is expected to hit in the first week of June, causing temperatures to stay high longer than usual.
Even though temperatures in Uttar Pradesh were around 45 degrees Celsius, some parts were experiencing blackouts lasting more than 12 hours despite a March order for all power plants in the country to run at full capacity to reduce power cuts. The heat wave in the state is expected to continue for two more days, a weather official said.
Hundreds of frustrated residents protested outside power centers near Lucknow and blocked roads over the weekend.
The electricity cutoff means no ACs, no fans, and even no water. The scorching heat has made our lives unbearable and the absence of power is adding to our misery, Gupta said. His wife, Danielle, was forced to sleep in the car over the weekend with the air conditioning on high so their baby would stop crying.
Several residents in NYC were forced to take shelter inside due to the intense heat. We have become prisoners to the relentless summer as no one wants to venture out, he said.
Sukhai Ram, a gardener who is paid only when he works, has been forced to set down his tools. I will work after the sun goes down, drenched in sweat, he said.
Dairy workers wrap their cans with jute to keep the milk from spoiling. Construction workers hosed themselves for a short stay from the soaring heat.