From 1st heat stroke unit to special pooja: Here is how India is preparing as summer begins

New Delhi [India], May 8 : In the latest prediction of IMD, heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Kerala, Rayalaseema, Interior Karnataka, Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh and regions of North interior Karnataka.
On May 7, the maximum temperatures were in the range of 42°C - 44°C across the nation while the highest temperature recorded was 44.6°C at Barmer (West Rajasthan).
While talking to ANI, Jaipur Meteorological Center Director Radhe Shyam Sharma said, 'Yellow Alert' has been issued for the state due to intense heat conditions as the temperature has crossed the mark of 44°C in various districts. The temperature in Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Ganganagar has reached above 44°C while in the Bikaner division, it is likely to range between 44°C to 45°C.
As mercury touches its peak in Tamil Nadu, a special pooja has been performed for Lord Ganesh to get rain in the Ariyalur district, where the idol of Lord Vinayakar was taking a shower in a glass tank filled with water, vetti root, paneer at Ariyalur Bala Prasanna Sakthi Vinayakar Temple.
Although IMD data has no serious warnings for the capital city region Delhi, amidst the prevailing heatwave conditions, hospitals have showcased their preparedness.
Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi has prepared the first "heat stroke unit" to treat patients suffering from heat. Special arrangements have been made for this ward which include from ice-making machine for tubs in the room.
Also, summers have marked their arrival in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh which can be easily traced by the increased temperature and fewer people on the roads in the afternoon. Meteorologist Ajay Kumar said, summer has knocked and the temperature has risen to 40°C in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh which is 2°C-3°C greater than usual.
"At present, there is no heat wave-like condition has arisen here and it is normal summer like every year. Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana will get some relief from western disturbances in the coming days, but in the upcoming months of June and July, heat waves will hit Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. The most affected region will be South Haryana and South Punjab and the least affected will be Chandigarh and the cities and districts located around the mountains", told Meteorologist Ajay Kumar to ANI.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that most parts of the country are likely to record above-normal maximum temperatures in May.