Overview
- Multiple forecasts place Nautapa from May 25 to June 2 as a nine-day traditional period that marks the seasonal peak of pre-monsoon heat.
- The India Meteorological Department has issued heatwave alerts for large parts of north and central India, naming Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan among the areas at risk of temperatures in the low to mid‑40s Celsius.
- Meteorologists link the rise in temperatures to clear skies, low humidity, hot dry 'loo' winds and depleted soil moisture that let solar radiation heat the land and prevent nighttime cooling.
- Public-health guidance being circulated urges people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun between noon and 4 pm, protect the elderly and children, and move heavy outdoor work to cooler hours.
- Cultural commentators and astrologers say Nautapa overlaps Adhik Maas this year and call for rituals and introspection, while scientists stress the event is meteorological and note a chance of brief relief from pre-monsoon showers around May 29.