India's capital swelters at 47.4 degrees Celsius, IMD issues 'red alert' for next five days
A man rides a cycle with his face fully covered, on a hot summer day, in New Delhi.
As the mercury continued to soar in north India, the maximum temperature of the national capital was 47.4 degrees Celsius - the highest in the country - on Monday (May 20).
A severe heatwave red alert was issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh. IMD predicted that severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist through the next five days.
The temperatures went above 45 degrees Celsius in various parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh across northern India.
Power demand reaches its peak in the national capital
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Thedemand for electricityreached its peak for May in the national capital due to the searing heat.
Also Read:India heatwave: Red Alert issued in Delhi-NCR; heavy rainfall expected in Kerala
The temperature recorded on Saturday (May 18) was 43.6 degrees Celsius, which was up from 42.5 degrees Celsius on Friday (May 17).
As per the State Load Dispatch Centre's real-time data, peak power demand reached 7,572 MW at 3:33 pm (local time). This was the highest-ever power demand recorded inthe month ofMay in Delhi.
Delhi government directs schools to close for summer vacations
The Delhi government asked the schools which have not closed for summer vacations to announce holidays with immediate effect.
The Directorate of Education in Delhi, in a circular, said that all the schools have been asked to close their schools for summer vacation from May 11 to June 30.
"...all the govt schools are closedwef11.05.24. However, it has been observed that some of the govt. aided and unaided recognised private schools are still open during ongoing severe heat waves.
Watch:India sears in heatwave, Weather department issues warning
"Therefore, all the heads of govt. aided and unaided recognised private schools of Delhi are advised to close the schools for summer vacation with immediate effect," stated the circular.
IMD appeals for 'extreme care' amid heatwave
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the skies will remain clear with heatwave conditions in the national capital and areas around it.
In its seven-day forecast, the IMD appealed for "extreme care for vulnerable people" because of the heatwave.
In such conditions, there are high chance that people will have heat-related illness and may suffer heat stroke.
"Avoid heat exposure and keep cool. Avoid dehydration," the IMD stated.
(With inputs from agencies)