In photos: North India braces for heatwaves as temperatures cross 40C

Heatwave conditions are expected to strike northern regions of India, including Delhi, over the weekend, according to the country’s weather authority. This forecast follows a spike in temperatures exceeding 40°C in Delhi on Thursday, which marked one of the city’s most scorching days of the year.

Additionally, the weather department has issued alerts for above-average heat in central and western states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, warning of intensified conditions for the next two to three days. Summers in India are often linked to severe health risks, as extreme heat triggers ailments such as dehydration and heatstroke, with fatalities reported in past years.

On Friday, officials noted that temperatures in northern and central India could rise by 2-3°C. Meanwhile, Delhi’s education sector has implemented guidelines to mitigate the effects of harsh weather. Schools are instructed to halt outdoor activities, relocate assemblies indoors, and use bells to remind students to drink water every 45 to 60 minutes.

A 2024 study published in the Lancet revealed that nearly a third of India’s heatwave days that year were attributed to climate change. The report also highlighted that heat exposure led to the loss of 247 billion potential labor hours, primarily in agriculture and construction, resulting in an estimated economic impact of $194bn (£151bn).

Health experts emphasize that extended periods of extreme heat severely affect the body’s ability to maintain balance. This can cause dehydration, heatstroke, cardiovascular strain, and even death, particularly in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and workers exposed to outdoor environments.