A severe heatwave continued to grip northern India and Pakistan on Thursday, with temperatures soaring above 45°C (113°F) in several major cities, prompting red alerts and health advisories from meteorological agencies across the region.

In New Delhi, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported an average morning temperature of 34°C at 8:30 a.m. local time (0300 GMT). However, the heat index—accounting for humidity—pushed the “feels like” temperature to a sweltering 45.3°C.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a red alert for Delhi, urging residents to stay alert for signs of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, nausea, cramps, or confusion.

According to the Hindustan Times, temperatures in the capital ranged between 40.9°C and 45°C on Wednesday, with the heat index peaking at a dangerous 51.9°C.

“The severe heat is expected to persist till Thursday,” said Naresh Kumar, a senior IMD scientist, speaking to the Press Trust of India. He noted that a western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India from the night of June 13, potentially bringing light rain and thunderstorms to Delhi and surrounding areas.

The IMD has extended heatwave warnings to several northern states including Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana as the region continues to endure extreme temperatures.

Across the border in Pakistan, the situation remains equally dire. The Dawn newspaper reported that temperatures reached 49°C in Bhakkar, Punjab province, and in Jacobabad, Sindh. The Pakistan Meteorological Department also issued warnings of continued “very hot and dry weather” across most parts of the country.

Hospitals in Pakistan’s Punjab province were reportedly overwhelmed with heatstroke patients, while widespread power outages exacerbated the crisis, leaving many residents without relief from the heat.

Authorities in both countries are urging citizens to stay indoors during peak hours, remain hydrated, and watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion, as the region braces for several more days of extreme weather.