Schools shut as temperatures soar

India heatwave

As the scorching summer temperatures grip Delhi, Indian authorities have taken precautionary measures by ordering schools to close early for the summer break. With the mercury hitting a sizzling peak of 47.4℃, the city is experiencing a severe heatwave. Delhi officials issued an immediate order for schools to shut down, citing the blistering heat as the reason.

This decision comes after the Indian Meteorological Department warned of severe heatwave conditions persisting throughout the week. Delhi's Najafgarh suburb recorded the highest temperature in the country at 47.4℃ on Monday, signaling the intensity of the heatwave. In response to the extreme weather conditions, other states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan have also ordered the closure of schools.

India, accustomed to high summer temperatures, is witnessing heatwaves becoming longer, more frequent, and more intense due to climate change. The authorities are particularly concerned about the impact of the heat on vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases. 

The scorching temperatures in Delhi have historical precedence, with May 2022 recording temperatures as high as 49.2 degrees Celsius. The current heatwave coincides with India's ongoing general elections, with the next round scheduled for Saturday. Analysts attribute a dip in voter turnout to the unusually hot weather, coupled with the widespread anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's re-election.

To mitigate the impact of heatwaves on the electoral process, India's election commission has formed a task force to assess the effects of heat and humidity before each voting round. Meanwhile, southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been experiencing heavy rains, providing some relief from the intense heat.

However, severe storms have ravaged parts of the country, including Mumbai, where strong winds caused fatalities and trapped many under collapsed structures. These incidents underscore the urgent need for preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events.

As India grapples with the challenges posed by heatwaves and other weather-related disasters, proactive measures such as early school closures and election preparedness initiatives are crucial for safeguarding public health and ensuring the resilience of communities.