Jaisalmer emerged among the hottest places in the country on Sunday as temperatures crossed 46 degrees Celsius. In an effort to provide relief from the scorching conditions, municipal authorities have deployed water sprinklers across city roads.
Agro-meteorologist Praveen Chaudhary said temperatures in Jaisalmer and nearby districts are hovering between 45°C and 48°C during the period locally known as “Nau Tapa” — a nine-day spell associated with extreme heat. He attributed the soaring temperatures to the impact of a Super El Niño effect, which has created dry atmospheric conditions with almost no moisture.
According to Chaudhary, the lack of moisture has intensified the heat, pushing temperatures towards 48°C to 50°C in some areas. Though isolated storms may bring temporary relief, severe heat conditions are expected to persist for another 9 to 10 days, extending into late May and early June.
The IMD stated that heatwaves are periods of abnormally high temperatures compared to normal conditions over a region. Several states across the country are currently experiencing temperatures above 40°C.
In its latest weather bulletin, the IMD said severe heatwave conditions prevailed in parts of East Uttar Pradesh and Vidarbha, while heatwave conditions were reported across several pockets of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Amid the rising temperatures, Bhagwant Mann announced revised timings for government offices and schools in Punjab. From May 25 onwards, all government offices and public and private schools in the state will function from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Meanwhile, the IMD has also issued a severe heatwave warning for East Uttar Pradesh till May 28. A red alert remains in effect for Chhatarpur district, where temperatures crossed 41°C early Sunday morning. In recent days, temperatures in Khajuraho and Nowgong touched 47.4°C, with severe heatwave conditions continuing unabated.
The blistering heat has also impacted daily life, with local markets wearing a deserted look during the daytime. Residents are relying on water, cold drinks, and sugarcane juice to stay hydrated, while many are stepping outdoors only for essential work.
