India: Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata on alert for dangerous heat wave this week

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Intense heat will put millions at risk for heat-related illness across India through at least Friday.

The first widespread long-duration heat wave of the year is gripping much of the country, impacting areas from Mumbai to New Delhi and Kolkata.

Temperatures soared to our past 40 C (104 F) around Mumbai, Akola, Surat, Rajkot and New Delhi in recent days.

Temperatures peaked at 41 C (105.8 F) in Mumbai on Saturday, making it the hottest March day in seven years.

Mumbai can expect some relief in terms of high temperatures in the coming days; however, high levels of humidity will make it feel even hotter at times with AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures as high as 40-43 C (104-110 F).

A dry but intense heat will continue into this weekend from Akola into northwest India with daily high temperatures reaching at least 40 C (104 F).

Other locations that can expect dangerous heat to last through at least Friday include New Delhi, Patna and Kolkata.

While temperatures have been above normal in these areas much of March, the intensity of the heat will climb to another level this week, putting people at risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

The temperature climbed to 40 C (104 F) on Wednesday in New Delhi, making it the hottest day of the year so far. Similar temperatures are expected across the National Capital Region on Thursday and Friday.

"For New Delhi, this is well above the normal high temperature for late-March, which is around 31 C (88 F)" said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty.

Both Patna and Kolkata reported temperatures near 38 C (100 F) on Wednesday and can expect even higher temperatures on Thursday and Friday.

People are urged to avoid strenuous activity during the midday and afternoon hours and drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

The elderly and children are most susceptible to heat-related illness, especially when nighttime temperatures remain well above normal levels, not allowing homes to cool from the extreme daytime heat.

Additionally, unhealthy air quality conditions are anticipated over much of the country. The conditions could cause difficulties for those with respiratory problems.

The early arrival of dangerous heat is similar to last year when little to no relief was felt until the monsoon arrived in June and resulted in hundreds of deaths.

Deadly heat waves in 2015 claimed more than 2,300 lives across India.

Relief is expected for parts of eastern India beginning on Saturday as daily showers and thunderstorms bring some needed cooling to Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Odisha and West Bengal.

Elsewhere, the dangerous heat will continue into next week with no relief until at least the second half of the week.

While this current heat wave may relax in eastern India starting this weekend, the outlook for the coming months is bleak.

“Prolonged periods of hot weather will continue across northern and northwest India, including Delhi, through May,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls.

“The heat will be less severe in southern India as rain arrives late in April and continues during May,” added Nicholls.