Over 300 Dead as Heat Wave Intensifies Across India. Delhi Sizzles at 44.5 Degrees

New Delhi:  Over 300 people have died in the ongoing heat wave across the country, which, according to the meteorological department, will be around for a few more days. The toll was the highest in Andhra Pradesh/Telangana – 223. In Delhi — which registered a record high of 44,5 degrees Celsius this season — mercury has been hovering over 42 for the last few days.”Certain preventive measures have been taken,” said C Laxman Reddy, health minister, Telangana. “The temperature had been very high for the last four to five days. We have suggested that the people do not go out and keep consuming liquids.”

Meterological office director BK Yadav said some respite can be expected in the two southern states within 48 hours. But in Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha, the heat wave will be on for a few more days.

“In Delhi particularly, no relief can be expected in the next four days. The heat wave will continue,” Mr Yadav said. In Delhi, yesterday’s temperature was 43.6 degrees Celsius.

“The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 45 and 29 degrees, respectively,” a forecast said.

Mr Yadav attributed the heat in north India to an ongoing heat wave in Pakistan. “The temperature there is 50 degrees and the heat wave is coming from there,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh saw the mercury cross the 41 degree mark in most districts. Yesterday, Allahabad recorded the highest maximum in the state at 47 degrees.

The heat wave also intensified in Odisha as the mercury inched above the 40-degree mark at 19 places. Till yesterday, the toll was 26.