Heatwave in North India less likely amid surge in thunderstorm activities: IMD

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist Soma Sen Roy indicated that the likelihood of heatwave conditions in North India has diminished due to increased thunderstorm activities.

Sen Roy noted, “Yesterday (April 26), we observed thunderstorm activities, especially in North-West India… There have been quite strong winds blowing. In states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, we witnessed hailstorm activities.”

She elaborated that these thunderstorm activities have caused a drop in temperature, reducing the chances of heatwave conditions. Sen Roy explained, “Due to these thunderstorm activities, there is a drop in temperature and there can be a decrease of 4 degrees to 5 degree Celsius and therefore, the chances of heatwave conditions in North India are less likely to happen.”

The IMD official highlighted the occurrence of strong dusty winds, prompting the issuance of an orange alert. She mentioned, “There have been strong dusty winds… and therefore, we issued an orange alert… Day after tomorrow, there will be a rise again in thunderstorm activities in the plains which will again lead to the issue of orange alert in Punjab and Haryana. In western Himalayan region, the orange alert will continue.”

Regarding thunderstorm forecasts, Sen Roy stated, “Yesterday, there were a lot of thunderstorm activities. Even Delhi witnessed 50 kmph winds. Thunderstorms and heavy rains are likely to continue over Jammu & Kashmir and western Himalayas and that is why an orange alert has been issued.”

However, she noted the likelihood of heatwaves in East Uttar Pradesh. Speaking about the severity of heatwave conditions in certain regions, Sen Roy said, “If you look at the conditions of heatwave, you will see that East India, Gangetic West Bengal, and Orissa face more severity… This situation has been observed in West Bengal and Orissa for the past several days. In such a situation, we believe that there will be a red alert for some days in the Gangetic parts of West Bengal and Orissa.”

Sen Roy also mentioned the persistence of heatwaves in Eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Southern regions like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Raiseema, Konkan for the next two to five days.

Meanwhile, IMD Shimla predicted thunderstorms, hail, and rainfall in 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh over the next 48 hours, with isolated places likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and strong winds.