Did PIB Really Reject Claims of 55 Degrees Celsius Heatwave?

Synopsis
The Indian Government has refuted alarming claims about a potential heatwave reaching 55 degrees Celsius from May 29 to June 2. This piece explores the truth behind the viral social media posts and emphasizes the importance of seeking verified information from official sources.
Key Takeaways
- Government debunks viral claims about extreme heat.
- Check the official IMD website for accurate weather updates.
- False posts can cause unnecessary panic.
- Stay hydrated but remain calm and informed.
- Be aware of potential snake sightings but do not panic.
New Delhi, May 21 (NationPress) The Government has rejected viral rumors circulating on social media that suggest an extreme heatwave will occur from May 29 to June 2, with temperatures potentially reaching 55 degrees Celsius.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government's information arm, publicly refuted these claims on Wednesday, emphasizing that no such advisory or announcement has been made by the Central government.
Residents are urged to seek updates directly from the official website of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for accurate information.
The misleading post suggests that individuals should remain indoors during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from May 29 to June 2 to avoid heatstroke and warns of potential mobile device malfunctions due to extreme heat.
The unsigned fake notification, supposedly from the Directorate General of Civil Defence, advises people to increase their water consumption and include liquid foods like yogurt and chaach in their diets.
Furthermore, it cautions individuals to be vigilant regarding snakes and other creatures that may emerge from their habitats due to the intense heat.
Aside from PIB's clarification, the IMD's forecast for this month does not indicate any critical alerts.
The IMD's weather outlook for May 2025 indicates a likelihood of above-normal temperatures across many regions of the country, particularly in North-West and Central India.
However, there is no indication of a severe heatwave with temperatures soaring beyond 50 degrees Celsius.
According to one of their circulars, there exists a low to moderate chance of heatwave conditions in isolated areas of North-West India at certain times during the week of May 23 to May 29.