<keyword id="19900881" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi" source="keywords">Delhi</keyword> seems to have been dealt a bad hand this year as a never-ending heatwave gripped the national capital first, followed by a water shortage crisis spurred by an increased demand for the essential commodity. These things have already ballooned into political issues and the city has been in desperate need for some relief. Fortunately, relief of some sort is here. While the ongoing rainy spell isn’t going to fully solve Delhi’s water shortage or the settle matters between the Haryana and Delhi governments, it is a start. Between January 1 and June 26, the national capital has seen less than 20 mm of rainfall, resulting in a rainfall deficiency of 61%. To make matters worse, there were whispers of a delayed monsoon progression over Delhi. Had this come true, it might’ve been the last straw for heat-stricken Delhiites and the parched landscape. However, it seems like things started to look up for the residents of Delhi when cloudy skies rolled into the city on Wednesday. Prodded by a western disturbance, rains finally began to drench Delhi last evening. In the evening, 2.3 mm, 1.3 mm and 1.3 mm of rain were recorded in Palam, Aya Nagar and Ridge, respectively. The icing on Delhiites’ cake is that the monsoon is just around the corner too! The monsoon has reached the threshold of Delhi-UP. On Wednesday, pre-monsoon rain fell in many areas of UP, including Ayodhya. As per the India Meteorlogical Department’s indications, the southwest monsoon is expected to enter Delhi by the end of this week, around June 29-30. Given these projections, the national capital and its surrounding regions can expect moderate to heavy rains (up to 115.5 mm) accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds will continue over the next seven days. Accordingly, a yellow watch has been issued over Delhi-NCR for the forecast period so as to urge locals to ‘be updated’ about the weather conditions. Meanwhile, Delhiites are currently battling the scorching heat, and there have been nine heatwave days in June so far, while there was not a single heatwave day during the same period in 2023 and 2022. Although Delhi has got some relief from the heat compared to earlier, its daytime temperatures have stubbornly remained two notches above-normal in spite of the rains. The good news is that the city’s maximum temperature is expected to gradually drop by a whole 4-5 degrees in the next few days and touch 34°C.

Delhi has recorded rainfall deficiencies of 61% so far this year, but the monsoons are almost here?

You know things have gone out of hand when the insides of your home are boiling and stepping outside comes with the hefty risk of collapsing from a heatstroke. As of today, deadly <keyword id="21052325" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heatwaves" source="keywords">heatwaves</keyword> have retained their unforgiving grip on <keyword id="19900881" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi" source="keywords">Delhi</keyword> for nearly 10 days and temperatures have remained above 40°C for at least 36 days now. The daytime temperatures ranged between 45°C and 46.6°C — at least 6-8 notches above normal — in various parts of the national capital yesterday. The <keyword id="21413929" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heat-index" source="keywords">heat index</keyword>, or the “feels like” temperature was, however, much higher at 50°C. These sweltering conditions ensured that Delhi remained on a red warning (meaning ‘take action’) on Monday. Residents were advised to stay in as much as possible due to the “extremely high likelihood of heat strokes”. The scorching temperatures, made worse by the lack of rain, are a double whammy for the area as it's not just the people that are suffering. The crops are at risk of failing too. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Delhi braces for more heatwaves" comment="subhead" text="Delhi braces for more heatwaves">Delhi braces for more heatwaves </cmsannotation>Amid residents anticipating some much-needed relief from the scorching weather, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heatwaves in the national capital. As per the weather department, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely in Delhi and its neighbouring regions on Tuesday (June 18), with its effects likely to linger for the next couple days. The heat index could remain in the range of 49-51°C today. A heatwave is recorded when daytime temperatures are above 40°C and the departure is above 4.5 notches. For severe heatwaves, the maximum temperature must exceed the 45°C mark or the departure must be above 6.5 notches. Given the forecasts, IMD has issued a red warning over Delhi-NCR for today as well. With conditions likely to gradually abate after tomorrow, an orange alert has been issued for tomorrow, followed by a yellow watch. Individuals are strongly advised to stay indoors and stay hydrated. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What are the reasons for Delhi’s persistent heatwaves?" comment="subhead" text="What are the reasons for Delhi’s persistent heatwaves?">What are the reasons for Delhi’s persistent heatwaves? </cmsannotation>Delhi's brutal heatwave is a result of several factors working together. Scorching westerly winds blowing from neighbouring Rajasthan and Haryana are keeping temperatures high throughout the day. But the bad news doesn't stop there — these hot winds persist even at night. A pesky western disturbance is throwing Delhi curveballs with partly cloudy skies. While you might think clouds bring relief, in this case, they're acting like a blanket, preventing the night-time temperatures from dropping significantly. This combination of hot winds and stubborn clouds is leading to what's called a "warm night," offering no escape from the heat even after sunset. Because nights aren't getting much cooler, the ground retains more heat. This "pre-heated" ground then makes the following days even hotter – a vicious cycle! <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="When will Delhi’s heatwave woes end?" comment="subhead" text="When will Delhi’s heatwave woes end?">When will Delhi’s heatwave woes end? </cmsannotation>Delhiites have basically pinned all their hopes on the arrival of the monsoon, which typically brings some relief. However, the monsoon's progress seems to have stalled after reaching South India, leaving North India, including Delhi, parched and desperate for rain. Fortunately, there's a slight chance of relief on the horizon. A new western disturbance is expected to approach northwest India later this week, potentially bringing some much-needed rain to Delhi. Temperatures are expected to start dropping by around 2 notches starting tomorrow. But complete relief can only be expected after the monsoon rains enter the region — the normal date being between June 25-30.

Delhi’s month-long battle with heatwaves continues as heat index soars past 50°C; monsoon nowhere in sight

India's weather woes continue as the country grapples with the longest <keyword id="19933152" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heatwave" source="keywords">heatwave</keyword> ever recorded, according to the head of the <keyword id="19897673" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-Meteorological-Department" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="India Meteorological Department" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="India Meteorological Department">India Meteorological Department</keyword> (IMD). The scorching temperatures, which have gripped parts of northern India since mid-May, are expected to worsen in the coming years due to <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword>. This has been the longest spell because it has been going on for about 24 days in different parts of the country, <keyword id="19962978" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mrutyunjay-mohapatra" source="keywords">Mrutyunjay Mohapatra</keyword>, chief of the IMD, told the Indian Express. Temperatures have skyrocketed to over 45°C in some regions, even reaching a record-tying 49.2°C in New Delhi. While the <keyword id="21312864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monsoon-rains" source="keywords">monsoon rains</keyword> expected later this month may bring some temporary relief, Mohapatra warned that heatwaves will be more frequent, durable and intense, if precautionary or preventive measures are not taken. India, the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, faces an uphill battle. The country aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, but its heavy reliance on coal for power generation poses a significant challenge. Mohapatra pointed to human activities like industrialisation and transportation as key contributors to rising greenhouse gas concentrations, including carbon monoxide, methane, and chlorocarbons. We are endangering not only ourselves, but also our future generations, he cautioned. The scorching heat has pushed India's <keyword id="20503394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electricity-grid" source="keywords">electricity grid</keyword> to its limit, with a record peak power demand of 8,302 megawatts. While an automatic weather station in Delhi initially recorded a staggering 52.9°C on May 29, the IMD has confirmed the reading was due to a faulty sensor. Other stations in Delhi did record highs of 49°C that same day. He also emphasised the importance of regular maintenance for automatic weather stations, acknowledging that factors like birds or monkeys can disrupt their functionality while assuring that inspections are conducted every six months. As India battles the immediate heatwave, the country must also confront the long-term threat of climate change by implementing sustainable practices and transitioning away from <keyword id="19951339" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fossil-fuels" source="keywords">fossil fuels</keyword>. (With inputs from agencies)

India braces for more intense scorching as longest-ever heatwave spell hits the country, warns IMD chief

A fire broke out in a parking lot in <keyword id="19900881" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Delhi" source="keywords">Delhi</keyword>’s Mandawali area, fire department officials revealed on Wednesday. As many as 17 cars were reportedly gutted by the flames, but the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Anyhow, the blazing seems to be representational of the general condition in the national capital. Scorching temperatures continue to grip northern and central <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>, with parts of Delhi recording highs close to 50°C on Wednesday morning. While the Safdarjung observatory recorded daytime temperatures of 45.8°C on , the areas in the outskirts, like Mungeshpur (49.9°C), Najafgarh (49.8°C), and Pitampura (48.5°C) were among the Delhi areas feeling the brunt of the <keyword id="19933152" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heatwave" source="keywords">heatwave</keyword>. The situation is even more severe in <keyword id="19898913" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajasthan" source="keywords">Rajasthan</keyword> and Haryana, where Churu and Sirsa saw their thermometers explode past 50°C, reaching a scorching 50.5°C and 50.3°C respectively, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD issues heatwave alerts if the maximum <keyword id="19929810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="temperature" source="keywords">temperature</keyword> of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for plains for two or more days, whereas a severe <keyword id="20047092" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heat" source="keywords">heat</keyword>wave is declared when mercury breaches the 45°C mark. Consequently, heatwave to severe heat wave conditions have been forecast in most parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh for today. These sweltering heat is expected to dissipate gradually over Northwest India starting tomorrow (May 30). However, the damage is already being done. This brutal heatwave is straining power grids as people crank up <keyword id="20054826" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-conditioners" source="keywords">air conditioners</keyword> and coolers to try and beat the heat. <keyword id="21211051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-shortages" source="keywords">Water shortages</keyword> are also becoming a major concern. The Central Water Commission reports that water levels in 150 major reservoirs across India have plunged to a critical 24% of capacity. This worsens water shortages in many states and significantly impacts hydropower generation. The relentless heat has also pushed India's power demand to a record high for this season, reaching 239.96 gigawatts. With homes and offices running air conditioners and coolers non-stop, it's no surprise that the demand for <keyword id="20028294" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electricity" source="keywords">electricity</keyword> has skyrocketed. While the heatwave shows no signs of immediate abating, there's a glimmer of hope – the IMD predicts some relief might arrive after Thursday (May 30). A fresh western disturbance will begin to affect Northwest India starting tomorrow, brining up to scattered rainfall activity in the region until Sunday (June 2).

Delhi heatwaves are likely to abate after May 30, but the power sector is already suffering

As the fast-approaching southwest monsoon gradually drowns out the summer, it will also help ease and then erase the memories of a brutal season past. Even then, an unease is expected to continue lingering in the minds of most Indians: something just wasn’t right this year. Studies have already shown time and again that deadly heat is becoming a frequent phenomenon in India. With temperatures expected to touch a scorching 54°C, extreme conditions are rendering an increasing number of places unliveable. This includes India’s highly developed metro cities, which are dealing with their own set of unique heat troubles. Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has shed light on an alarming trend: not only are <keyword id="21052325" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heatwaves" source="keywords">heatwaves</keyword> are becoming deadlier in India’s major cities, temperatures aren’t dropping enough to provide sufficient respite at night either. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Deadlier heatwaves" comment="subhead" text="Deadlier heatwaves">Deadlier heatwaves</cmsannotation> Spanning over 23 years from January 2001 to April 2024, the study meticulously analysed data from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and <keyword id="6354321" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bengaluru" source="Orion">Bengaluru</keyword>. While their air temperatures haven’t witnessed a dramatic rise during the specified period, these areas have continued to witness an increase in their relative <keyword id="20237161" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="humidity" source="keywords">humidity</keyword>. The researchers think that this may also be heightening the <keyword id="21177615" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heat-stress" source="keywords">heat stress</keyword> — a measure combining air and land temperatures along with relative humidity — and intensifying the discomfort and <keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">health risks</keyword> for the city’s inhabitants. Another of the main culprits behind the discomfort in Indian metros may be due to the way <keyword id="21384366" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="urban-sprawl" source="keywords">urban sprawl</keyword> has spread massively in the past few years. The CSE study found that the rapid expansion of urban areas has led to a significant reduction in <keyword id="20113356" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-cover" source="keywords">green cover</keyword>, coupled with a surge in concrete surfaces. In cities like Chennai, green spaces have dwindled by nearly 14% over the past two decades, while concrete infrastructure has doubled. Even Bengaluru, a city earlier famed for its abundance of garden-like spaces, has only 7% green cover left, an earlier IISc study had found. This transformation contributes to the "<keyword id="21843173" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="urban-heat-island-effect" source="keywords">urban heat island effect</keyword>," where concrete-trapped heat is making urban regions notably warmer than their rural counterparts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Minimums on the rise" comment="subhead" text="Minimums on the rise">Minimums on the rise</cmsannotation> However, what’s particularly concerning is the decline in nighttime cooling. Historically, cities would cool down considerably at night, providing much-needed relief from the daytime heat. However, the study reveals that this cooling effect has substantially decreased, exposing residents to prolonged periods of high temperatures without respite. The continuous exposure to heat, compounded by high humidity, exacerbates health risks, making heat stress and related illnesses more prevalent and potentially deadly at lower temperatures. The health implications are dire. The study observed an increase in the number of days with a heat index — what the weather “feels like” — surpassing 41°C in cities such as Kolkata and Chennai. Furthermore, the monsoon season, once a period of relief, now brings hotter and more humid conditions in some cities compared to the pre-monsoon months. As most might know, high humidity undermines the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, increasing the risk of heat stress and related illnesses In response to these findings, CSE Executive Director Anumita Roychowdhury highlighted the necessity for in-depth assessments of heat trends, relative humidity, land surface temperatures, and diurnal temperature variations. These assessments are crucial for developing effective heat management plans that extend beyond emergency responses to encompass long-term strategies, such as expanding green spaces, enhancing water bodies, and improving thermal comfort in buildings. The study also called for reversing detrimental land use patterns and implementing scientifically grounded measures to monitor and mitigate urban heat stress. The time for action is now, as the repercussions of inaction could be devastating for millions residing in India's rapidly growing urban centers. The CSE report can be found <a href="https://www.cseindia.org/content/downloadreports/12191" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

Feeling like nights are getting too uncomfortable? New report confirms that nighttime temperatures aren’t dipping enough

<ul><li>Monsoon is likely to hit Kerala on June 8. </li><li>With the monsoon delayed for another week, heatwaves in Northern India are going to continue. </li></ul><a href="https://sites.google.com/a/iitgn.ac.in/high_resolution_south_asia_drought_monitor/drought-early-warning-system/dews-india">With the early drought warning hovering over 43.3% parts of the country</a>, people in India aren’t going to get relieved from heat waves for another week. However<a href="http://www.imd.gov.in/pages/monsoon_main.php?adta=PDF&amp;adtb=6"> the monsoon is likely to begin within 48 hours</a> in Kerala and would take at least seven days to reach the central and western regions of the country. 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="Heavy to Very heavy rainfall at isolated places likely over Assam &amp; Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram &amp; Tripura, South Interior Karnataka and Kerala &amp; Mahe on June 8. Heavy rainfall at isolated places likely over Tamilnadu, Puducherry &amp; Karaikal, Lakshadweep, Rayalaseema and Odisha" auname="— Special daily Weather Report by the India Meteorological Department"></div>




 Temperature in Rajasthan’s Churu soared to 50 degree Celsius on June 1— the day when monsoon normally hits Southern parts of India. Many parts of the country are struggling with heat waves with the maximum temperature between 45 degrees to 50 degree Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heat waves were expected in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, Telangana and coastal Andhra Pradesh. <a href="http://www.imd.gov.in/pages/monsoon_main.php?adta=JPG&amp;adtb=1">Expected Monsoon dates in key parts of India </a> <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt;"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">State </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Normal Monsoon onset date </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Delayed till (Approximate)* </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Kerala </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Tamil Nadu </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Odisha </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">10 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">17 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Maharashtra </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">10 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">17 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">New Delhi </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">29 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">5 July </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">West Bengal </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">10 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">17 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Bihar </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">10 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">17 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Andhra Pradesh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Karnataka </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">5 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">13 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Haryana </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 July </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 July </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Punjab </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 July </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 July </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Uttar Pradesh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;"> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Madhya Pradesh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">15 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">22 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Meghalaya </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">5 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">13 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Chattisgarh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">10 June </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">18 June </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">Rajasthan </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">1 July </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">8 July </td></tr></tbody></table>*These are expected dates and may differ from the actual dates. This has been the second driest pre-monsoon season in the last 65 years, with the lowest being recorded in 2012 when countrywide cumulative rainfall deficiency had mounted to 31 per cent, according Private forecaster Skymet The heatwaves are expected to become severe in New Delhi and other northern cities in the coming days and the mercury is expected to breach 45 degrees Celsius. The National Capital Region along with Haryana and Punjab may get some relief due rains and thunderstorm led by western disturbances after June 11. 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="Usually monsoon arrives in Delhi on June 29. However, this time it is expected to be delayed by a week. It may come in the first week of July" auname="Mahesh Palawat, Director at the private forecaster Skymet."></div>





 Delhi on Wednesday recorded a maximum temperature of 44.6 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average. (With IANS)

Monsoon to hit Kerala tomorrow, heatwave in Northern India to last another week

<ul><li>Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms of May 22 brought relief to the heatwave ridden North Indians.</li><li>Temperature dropped as much as 11 degree celsius in several parts of north India.</li><li>This weather is likely to continue till May 24 bringing thunderstorms, lighting, gusty winds and rainfall in many parts.</li></ul>Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms of May 22 brought relief to the heatwave ridden North Indians — as mercury dropped by 11 degree celsius the next morning. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), this is the first storm of moderate intensity of this season. This weather is likely to continue till May 24 bringing thunderstorms, lighting, gusty winds and rainfall in many parts of north India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Isolated rainfall, more storms and rainfall expected in the next two days" comment="subhead" text="Isolated rainfall, more storms and rainfall expected in the next two days">Isolated rainfall, more storms and rainfall expected in the next two days</cmsannotation> To start with, areas like Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K), Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to face widespread to fairly widespread light/moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh are likely to witness scattered to fairly widespread rainfall. Rajasthan may face isolated rainfall activity till May 24, with peak intensity today on May 23. All these regions are also expected to witness isolated thunder squalls and hail storms today. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;" class="redcator-table-advance"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Region </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Maximum-minimum temperature on May 22* </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Temperature at 10:30 AM on May 23* </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Jammu And Kashmir </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">41/23 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">30 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Punjab </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">40/20 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">31 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Himachal Pradesh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">22/9 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">14 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Uttarakhand </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">22/12 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">17 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Delhi </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">40/24 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">27 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Haryana </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">39/21 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">28 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Uttar Pradesh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">35/25 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">33 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rajasthan </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">41/28 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">33 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Chandigarh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">38/22 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">29 </td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody></table>Note: The temperature are represented in degree celsiusSource: Weather.com Even a quick glimpse of the monthly predictions by weather.com reveal a slight dip in the maximum temperature for today and tomorrow. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Thunderstorms lead to collapse of homes, airline traffic" comment="subhead" text="Thunderstorms lead to collapse of homes, airline traffic">Thunderstorms lead to collapse of homes, airline traffic</cmsannotation> The rainfall and winds however came with a cost, exposing the weak infrastructure of the country. At least four houses in different parts of Delhi collapsed on Monday morning, and waterlogging was reported in several areas of Delhi including the national highway 48. <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Text"><cdata><![CDATA[<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Impact expected due to Duststorm/Thunderstorm, Lightning and Rain over Delhi &amp; neighborhood areas: 1. Damage to vulnerable structures. 2. Damage to kutcha houses/walls and huts. 3. Traffic disruption on roads. 4. Occasional reduction in visibility.&mdash; India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1528537846889717760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>]]></cdata></div> Several areas also reported power blackouts due to strong winds - making power failure a common theme across summer and monsoons alike. Flight operations too were affected at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday morning. "Due to bad weather, flight operations at Delhi airport are affected. Passengers are requested to get in touch with the airline concerned for updated flight information," the Delhi airport said in a tweet. SEE ALSO <a class="tout-title-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heres-why-all-steel-stocks-like-tata-steel-sail-jindal-jsw-down-today/articleshow/91735433.cms">Tata Steel, SAIL, Jindal Steel shares tumble up to 16% after the export tax shocker</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/billionaire-wealth-rose-more-in-2-years-than-in-the-last-23-years-combined/articleshow/91734674.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Billionaire wealth rose more in 2 years than in the last 23 years combined </a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/zomato-hdfc-hdfc-bank-paytm-and-other-hot-stocks-to-watch-out-for-on-may-23/slidelist/91733634.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Zomato, HDFC, HDFC Bank, Paytm and other hot stocks to watch out for on May 23 </a>

Thunderstorms, rain bring down homes and power supplies along with temperatures in North India

New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) Heavy rains lashed the national capital and neighbouring areas on Friday evening, bringing much-needed respite to the people reeling under intense heat. The relief came after the heatwave intensified in the city between May 24 and May 27 with the mercury touching new highs. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the current weather condition will sustain over the Delhi-NCR region till June 1. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of IMD's Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, said that the weather condition is due to the western disturbance affecting northwest India and easterly winds from Uttar Pradesh. The western disturbance is a cyclonic storm that originates in the Mediterranean Sea and travels across Central Asia. When it comes in contact with the Himalayas, it brings rains to the hills and the plains. The IMD had predicted light rain, lightning and squally winds gusting to 50-60 km per hour with isolated hailstorms for Friday evening. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research said that the rainfall has contributed to the improvement of air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood in the "satisfactory" category at 112 microgram per cubic metre. "Delhi's AQI is likely to improve further to the lower end of moderate to the satisfactory category in the next two days. The wind direction is not favourable for any significant dust transport to Delhi," it added. The maximum temperature on Friday was recorded at 40.4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was docked at 22.6 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels oscillated between 34 per cent and 62 per cent. --IANS aka/arm

Rain lashes Delhi-NCR, brings respite from intense heat

<ul><li>
As many as 100 million people in the country are suffering from the nation-wide water crisis. </li><li>Moreover, 21 major cities are expected to be devoid of groundwater by 2020, says government think tank NITI Aayog. </li></ul> No drops, No rain, nothing. India is suffering from its worst-ever water crisis in history. It has already started affecting hundreds and millions of lives and livelihoods across the country. And, people are craving for water to drink as well. “How will three pots of water be sufficient for an entire family of five,” asks a resident of Chennai — India’s sixth largest city — which ran out of water after all four reservoirs dried up this summer. 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="Chennai: People rush to fill their vessels from a water tanker following acute w..." msid="69988629" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;People rush to fill their vessels from a water tanker following acute water shortage, in Chennai.Photo)(&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>








 A large number of people are now washing utensils in dirty water, to save the clean water for cooking and drinking. There won’t be any relief anytime soon as the southwest monsoon — accounting 80% of India’s rainfall — is late and is expected to be <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/monsoon-to-be-below-normal-over-north-south-india-imd/articleshow/69602283.cms">lower than usual</a> in both north and south India. As many as 100 million people in the country are suffering from the nation-wide water crisis. Moreover, 21 major cities are expected to be devoid of groundwater by 2020, says government think tank NITI Aayog Only some parts of the country have received rainfall — that too almost a week late. Apart from the water crisis, the harsh heatwaves in the country took more than <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/22/india/chennai-india-water-crisis-intl/index.html">137 lives </a>. India’s dwindling water sources worsened the situation. <a href="http://202.159.215.252:83/DocumentUploadRoot/DocumentId_32837/20.06.2019_CWC_Bull.pdf">According to the Central Water Commission</a>, two-thirds water reservoirs in the country are below normal levels. Little Water, No Water — Current status of crisis across the country 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="Women fetch water from an opening made by residents at a dried-up lake in Chennai" msid="69988642" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Women fetch water from an opening made by residents at a dried-up lake in Chennai, India, June 11, 2019. REUTERS/P. Ravikumar TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>









 On 2 June 2019, a video of women filling bucket from the water leaked by a water tanker over the road went viral on social media, reported India spend. More than 100 districts across the country are officially affected by drought. Most of the districts (80%) in Karnataka and Maharashtra (72%) are hit by drought and crop failure. As many as 8.2 million farmers are struggling for livelihood. With scarcity comes strife. The state governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra — are now fighting over sharing water resources. Every day, Maharashtra government is sending 6,000 water tankers to 4,920 villages and 10,506 hamlets or settlements (bastis) in drought-hit areas. In the South, the Tamil Nadu government had to sanction Rs 233 crore to initiate emergency water projects. The state capital — Chennai— had to shut down the air conditioning to save as much as 9,000 litres a day. People have to stand in line for hours and they get foul-smelling water that might have been mixed with sewage. Karnataka too was forced to shut schools for a week due to water scarcity. Separately, residents of Bhilwara in Rajasthan have to keep water ‘locked’ in tankers since they depend on drinking water that is supplied once in 10 days. They are worried that it might be stolen! No groundwater by 2020 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="India Water Shortage" msid="69988668" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Indiand stand in queues to fill vessels filled with drinking water from a water tanker in Chennai, capital of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Millions of people are turning to water tank trucks in the state as house and hotel taps run dry in an acute water shortage caused by drying lakes and depleted groundwater. Some private companies have asked employees to work from home and several restaurants are closing early and even considering stopping lunch meals if the water scarcity aggravates.Photo/R. Parthibhan)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>









AP New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad are amongst the 21 cities that will run out of groundwater by 2020. This will affect as many as 100 million people, claims a report by NITI Ayog. Furthermore, 40% of India’s population will struggle for drinking water by 2030. With India’s water crisis deepening by the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently created Ministry of Jal Shakti that is going to look after the water resource management. Modi also reiterated his promise to provide piped water to every rural house in India by 2024. However, analysts have claimed that won’t be enough. A UN Human rights report claimed that soon only wealthy people in the world would be able to afford basic necessities in case of a drought, heatwave or famine. Falling rainfall levels in India 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="Chennai: School students offer prayers to rain god seeking rainfall following th..." msid="69988705" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;School students offer prayers to rain god seeking rainfall following the severe water crisis, in Chennai.Photo) (&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>










 The Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) reported that 43.4% areas in the country are under drought as of 30 May 2019. A delayed monsoon is among the primary reasons for the current crisis. In the last five years, 2017 was the only year when India did not experience drought, reported India spend. Both South west monsoon and North-east monsoon were lower than usual. Last year, India Meteorological Department said that the ‘post-monsoon’ rainfall — responsible for 10-20% of the India’s monsoon — was lower by 44%. And the pre-monsoon rainfall was the lowest it saw in the last 65 years. Experts fear that India is soon going to witness Day Zero if no action is taken on time.

Five years on, India may not even get a chance to solve its on-going water crisis risking hundreds of millions of lives

<ul><li>Finance Minister of India, <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> reiterated the need for sustainable water management system in India. </li></ul><ul><li>The government has already identified 1592 block in 256 districts which are facing water crisis and is planning to infuse additional funds. </li></ul><ul><li>India is suffering from its worst-ever water crisis in history. </li></ul>Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the need for sustainable water management system in India. She said, Constitution of Jal Shakti Mantralaya was a big step in water management-- the ministry will look at water-related issues in a holistic manner and will ensure water supply in every household by 2024. The government has already identified 1592 block in 256 districts which are facing water crisis and is planning to infuse additional funds. India is suffering from its worst-ever water crisis in history. It has already started affecting hundreds and millions of lives and livelihoods across the country. A large number of people are now washing utensils in dirty water, to save the clean water for cooking and drinking. There won’t be any relief anytime soon as the southwest monsoon — accounting 80% of India’s rainfall — is late and is expected to be <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/monsoon-to-be-below-normal-over-north-south-india-imd/articleshow/69602283.cms">lower than usual</a> in both north and south India. As many as 100 million people in the country are suffering from the nation-wide water crisis. Moreover, 21 major cities are expected to be devoid of groundwater by 2020, says government think tank NITI Aayog Only some parts of the country have received rainfall — that too almost a week late. Apart from the water crisis, the harsh heatwaves in the country took more than <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/22/india/chennai-india-water-crisis-intl/index.html">137 lives </a>. India’s dwindling water sources worsened the situation. <a href="http://202.159.215.252:83/DocumentUploadRoot/DocumentId_32837/20.06.2019_CWC_Bull.pdf">According to the Central Water Commission</a>, two-thirds water reservoirs in the country are below normal levels. More than 100 districts across the country are officially affected by drought. Most of the districts (80%) in Karnataka and Maharashtra (72%) are hit by drought and crop failure. As many as 8.2 million farmers are struggling for livelihood. With scarcity comes strife. The state governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra — are now fighting over sharing water resources. Not only this, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad are amongst the 21 cities that will run out of groundwater by 2020. This will affect as many as 100 million people, claims a report by NITI Ayog. Furthermore, 40% of India’s population will struggle for drinking water by 2030. With India’s water crisis deepening by the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently created Ministry of Jal Shakti that is going to look after the water resource management. Modi also reiterated his promise to provide piped water to every rural house in India by 2024. The Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) reported that 43.4% areas in the country are under drought as of 30 May 2019. A delayed monsoon is among the primary reasons for the current crisis.

You Searched For "delhi heatwave relief" and got 10 results

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Rain lashes Delhi-NCR, brings respite from intense heat

IANS

Five years on, India may not even get a chance to solve its on-going water crisis risking hundreds of millions of lives

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Every household in India will get water supply by 2024 under the ‘Jal-Jeevan Mission’ says Nirmala Sitharaman

BI India Bureau