Northern India, including capital Delhi, is reeling under a fierce heatwave with temperatures soaring above 45C over the weekend. On Sunday (May 19), Najafgarh district in Delhi recorded a temperature of 47.8C, the highest in the country this season. The weather department has said the heat spell is likely to continue this week. The searing heat comes as India is holding its general election, the results of which will be declared on Jun 4. Indian summers, which extend from March to September, are usually hot and humid.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the country is likely to experience longer and more intense heatwaves this year. On Saturday, temperatures crossed 45C in 10 locations in the National Capital Region (NCR), which encompasses Delhi and some districts from the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.
The IMD has predicted that maximum temperatures in Delhi and other northern cities are likely to hover around 45-46C over Monday and Tuesday. It 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 cast their votes in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar while Delhi will vote on May 25.
The elections are being held in seven phases from Apr 19 to Jun 1.
Many voters have expressed discomfort stepping out in the extreme heat. They say it's difficult standing in queues, especially for senior citizens.
India's election authorities have extended voting timings and have asked people to protect themselves against the heat while going to vote.
