India: Delhi faces heatwave with temperatures soaring above 45C

• Northern India, including Delhi, is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 45°C.
• The Indian Meteorological Department predicts longer and more intense heat waves this year.
• The IMD also predicts a fresh heat spell over parts of western and central India.

A fierce heatwave is gripping northern India, including the capital Delhi, with temperatures soaring above 45°C over the weekend. On Sunday, Najafgarh district in Delhi recorded a temperature of 47.8°C, the highest in the country this season. The weather department has stated that the heat spell will likely continue this week.

India is experiencing the searing heat as it holds its general election, with the results set to be declared on 4 June. Indian summers, typically hot and humid, extend from March to September. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the country is likely to experience longer and more intense heat waves this year.

On Saturday, temperatures in 10 locations in the National Capital Region (NCR), which encompasses Delhi and some districts from the neighboring states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, surpassed 45°C.

The IMD has predicted that maximum temperatures in Delhi and other northern cities are likely to hover around 45-46C over Monday and Tuesday.

The IMD has also predicted a fresh heat spell over parts of western and central India over the next few days. Many Indian states, reeling under the heatwave, are also going to the polls this week. On Monday, millions of voters in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar will cast their votes, while Delhi will vote on 25 May.

The elections are taking place in seven phases from 19 April to 1 June. Many voters have expressed discomfort stepping out in the extreme heat, stating that it's difficult to stand in queues, especially for senior citizens.

India's election authorities have extended voting timings and advised people to protect themselves against the heat while voting. Summers have been grueling in many parts of India - especially in the northern and central regions.

While some people use air-conditioners and water coolers to keep themselves cool, others, especially in the more distant towns, have devised their ways of coping with the heat - from keeping water cool in earthen jugs to consuming drinks made with raw mango pulp to ward off heat strokes.

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