India reports intense heat wave in its northern regions

A severe heat wave sweeping across northern India has disrupted daily life, forcing many people to stay indoors as temperatures continue to soar, The Associated Press reported.

In New Delhi, temperatures were expected to reach around 45 degrees Celsius, while parts of Uttar Pradesh recorded highs of 48.2 C earlier this week.

The India Meteorological Department warned that the extreme conditions are likely to continue across several northern regions in the coming days. Officials advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.

In several cities and towns, roads and markets have emptied during the hottest parts of the day. Some traders shifted their work to the early morning, while farmers in parts of Uttar Pradesh began working at night to avoid the intense daytime heat. Schools in some areas also announced early summer vacations and suspended classes due to the weather.

Authorities in New Delhi opened temporary cooling shelters equipped with fans, air coolers, drinking water, and rehydration solutions to help residents and tourists cope with the heat.

Climate experts say rising temperatures in India reflect a broader trend driven by human-caused climate change.

Meanwhile, Central Asia has also emerged as one of the fastest-warming regions in the world, according to the World Meteorological Organization. In response to life-threatening heatwaves, residents are turning to increasingly inventive and sometimes bizarre ways to stay cool.