NEW DELHI — The India Meteorological Department forecast maximum temperatures of around 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) on Thursday in New Delhi, and authorities in the capital opened temporary cooling zones to help residents cope with the heat. The department warned that conditions will likely persist across several northern regions in the coming days, with temperatures staying well above seasonal averages.

Residents and tourists sought relief inside cooling shelters set up across New Delhi, where officials distributed cups of water mixed with rehydration salts to people inside a shelter tent. The shelters provide air coolers, fans, drinking water and oral rehydration solutions.

"We had come here for outing. But it is too hot here. The cooling system here is good for us," said Basharat Ahmad Malla, a 25-year-old tourist.

Health authorities urged people to avoid going outdoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated and seek medical help if they experience symptoms such as dizziness or high fever.

India defines a heat wave as temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in the plains and 30 degrees Celsius or more in hilly regions. Studies by public health experts found that up to 1,116 people have died every year between 2008 and 2019 due to heat.

"India has warmed considerably as a result of anthropogenic (human-made) climate change in the last decade compared to previous years. Northwestern India has warmed much faster than many other parts of the country," said Anjal Prakash, professor of public policy at Flame University. He added, "Climate change is loading the dice towards extreme and pervasive episodes like those we see now."