India Heatwave Update: Rajasthan’s Phalodi Scorches at 49 Degrees Celsius

The mercury surged to 49°C in Rajasthan’s Phalodi — the highest temperature recorded in the country this year — as a sweltering heat wave stewed northwest India and some parts of the central region on Friday

Six additional deaths due to suspected heat stroke have been reported in Rajasthan, where temperatures soared to 49 degrees Celsius on Friday, officials confirmed. This follows reports of five heat stroke-related deaths in the state on Thursday.

Many regions in Rajasthan continued to experience severe heat conditions throughout the day. According to the Met Centre in Jaipur, Phalodi recorded the highest temperature in the state at 49 degrees Celsius.

Other significant temperatures included 48.3 degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer, 48.2 degrees in Barmer, 47.6 degrees in Jodhpur, 46.7 degrees in Kota, 46.6 degrees in Ganganagar, 45.8 degrees in Bikaner, 44.8 degrees in Churu, and 42.8 degrees in Jaipur.

Rajasthan’s Disaster Management and Relief Department reported that the deaths occurred in Balotra (three fatalities), and one each in Bhilwara, Bikaner, and Jodhpur. The preliminary suspicion is that these deaths were caused by heat stroke, pending confirmation from post-mortem reports.

In response to the severe heat conditions, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, Shubhra Singh, has directed that all medical institutions ensure robust measures for preventing and treating heat-related illnesses. Instructions include maintaining the functionality of coolers, fans, air conditioners, and water coolers in hospitals, with all necessary arrangements to be completed within three days.