The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning on Friday about an impending heatwave in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh over the next five days. Additionally, it forecasted a heatwave in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar for the next four days.
The weather agency reported that temperatures had soared to 45 degrees Celsius in several locations across the country in May. Senior IMD scientist Dr. Naresh Kumar told ANI, “From April until recently, continuous western disturbances influenced Northwest India, resulting in isolated rainfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This kept temperatures relatively low. However, in May, temperatures reached 45 degrees Celsius in many areas. Today, the temperature in Rajasthan has already hit 45 degrees Celsius.”
He added, “In Punjab and Haryana, temperatures are also near 44 degrees Celsius, and the heatwave conditions are similar to those in Uttar Pradesh. A heatwave is likely in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for the next five days, and in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar for four days, after which mild thunderstorms may cause a slight drop in temperature.”
Regarding southern states, Kumar said, “Heavy to very heavy rains are likely in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and South Karnataka over the next five days.”
The Met department’s weather advisory indicated that heat to severe heat wave conditions are expected over the plains of Northwest India and Bihar for the next five days. It also noted that heat wave conditions are likely to begin over East and Central India starting May 18.
Furthermore, the department predicted a wet spell with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over south Peninsular India until May 23.