Mercury reaches 49.2 degrees Celsius in India – 24 dead from heatstroke since late March

Extreme heat hits her northern india with temperatures reaching them 49.2 degrees Celsius in some parts of the capital Delhi.

This is fifth heatwave noted in the capital from March.

Officials in many regions of the country have asked citizens to take precautionary measures as temperatures are expected to remain high.

India experienced the warmest March of the last 100 years and now parts of the country recorded in April the highest temperatures in the history of the country since records began to be kept.

Many areas, including New Delhi, saw their mercury exceed 40 degrees Celsius. More than 24 people have died from heatstroke since late March and electricity demand has been at a record high for many years.

The Prime Minister Narendra Monti has called on local governments to take action to reduce the impact of the heatwave.

Extremely high temperatures have been recorded in recent days in the states Imachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Bihar, The Meteorological Agency of India announced that the temperature may drop by two to 4 degrees Celsius in some areas, but the intense heat will not subside.

While heat waves are common in India, especially in May and June, this year the summer started early with high temperatures from March, when the first heat wave broke out.

Severe heat waves have caused major problems for rural workers in northern India.

Poor workers, who usually work outdoors, are at increased risk due to high temperatures.

Scientists have connected the early arrival of very hot summers in the country with climate change and argue that over one billion people in India and neighboring Pakistan are at riskin a way, from the excessive heat.

In India there are no laws prohibiting outdoor activity when temperatures exceed a certain level, as is the case in some Middle Eastern countries, for example.

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