New Delhi on high alert as temperature reaches 47.1 C

NEW DELHI (AP) -- Parts of northwest India sweltered under scorching temperatures on Saturday, with the capital New Delhi under a severe weather alert.

India's weather department expects heat wave conditions to persist across the north for the next few days and has put several states on high alert.

On Friday, parts of New Delhi reported up to 47.1 C. The nearby states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan also saw temperatures soar, with the heat likely to stay high over the next few days, said Soma Sen Roy, a scientist at the India Meteorological Department.

Roy cautioned people against venturing outside under the afternoon sun, and advised them to drink lots of water and wear loose-fitting clothes. The elderly and other vulnerable community members were advised to stay indoors.

The extreme temperatures in northern India coincide with a six-week general election, with experts worried that the heat wave could increase health risks as people wait in long lines to cast their vote or candidates campaign aggressively in the outdoors. One minister fainted due to heat last month while addressing an election rally in Maharashtra state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as his main challenger, Rahul Gandhi of the opposition Congress Party, are expected to hold rallies in New Delhi later on Saturday, as the city heads to the polls on May 25.

Satish Kumar, a 57-year-old rickshaw driver in the capital, said his work was suffering because of the heat. "People are not coming outside," he said, and markets "are nearly empty."

Pravin Kamath, a 28-year-old who runs a cart selling cold drinks, complained that it was so hot he could hardly stand being outdoors. "But I must work. What can I do? I am poor so I have to do it."

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