Northern India is sweltering under intense heat waves, causing major disruptions to daily life and raising serious health concerns.

VNEW DELHI, JUNE 10 — Northern India is being hit by a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring well above normal and affecting daily life and health. On Monday, the temperature in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan reached 47.3°C (117°F), according to the Indian Meteorological Department. This is not far from the country’s all-time high of 51°C (124°F), recorded in Rajasthan in 2016.

The extreme heat is putting serious pressure on the country's already stretched healthcare system. Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can lead to heat strokes, especially affecting vulnerable groups like the poor, outdoor workers, children, and the elderly. Last year, a heatwave killed over 100 people and caused more than 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke, according to the Health Ministry.

In New Delhi, temperatures crossed 45°C (113°F) in some areas on Monday. The heat index, which factors in humidity, made it feel even hotter. Autorickshaw driver Pradeep Kumar said the intense heat was exhausting and affecting his income, as fewer people travel during the day. "We get tired very quickly. Even though we try to stay hydrated, our health still suffers," he said.

The weather department has issued heatwave warnings for the coming days across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and the Delhi region. Some areas may get light rain from Thursday, which could bring temporary relief.

India classifies a heatwave when temperatures rise above 40°C (104°F) in the plains and 30°C (86°F) or more in hilly areas. These heatwaves usually occur from March to June, with May being the peak month. However, this year started off cooler due to unusual weather patterns, according to G.P. Sharma from private forecaster Skymet.

Tourists are also feeling the heat. Ryan Rodriguez, a 22-year-old visitor from the U.S., was seen sipping lemonade in Delhi. "It's way hotter than what I'm used to in Virginia. I’ve been to the Middle East recently, but this is another level," he said.

In Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, the heat is straining power grids. In Lucknow, residents are experiencing long power cuts during the hottest parts of the day. "There’s no electricity when we need it most. The fans and coolers stop working, and we just sit sweating," said homemaker Shabnam Khan.

The state hit a record-high power demand of 30,161 megawatts on Sunday night as people relied heavily on cooling appliances. Officials expect this to rise further in the coming weeks.

Atul Kumar Singh from the Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow warned that the worst may still lie ahead. "It’s not just about discomfort anymore. This is becoming a public health emergency," he said.

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