The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of an intense heatwave across various parts of India. According to IMD’s forecast, several regions, especially in the southern peninsula, east India, northwest central India, and the plains of northwest India, are expected to experience more than the usual number of heatwave days.
Heatwave conditions predicted
IMD has stated that isolated pockets in Vidarbha, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Rayalaseema, Gangetic West Bengal, North interior Karnataka, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Telangana are likely to witness heatwave conditions on April 5 and April 6. Moreover, hot and humid weather is expected over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, Puducherry, and Karaikal during April 4-8, along with coastal Karnataka, Konkan, and Goa experiencing similar conditions during April 5-7.
The central and western peninsular parts of India, including Gujarat, central Maharashtra, and north Karnataka, are expected to be the worst affected by the heatwave from April to June. IMD has identified these areas, along with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, north Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, as highly prone to heatwaves.
On Friday, Anantapur in Rayalaseema recorded the highest maximum temperature on plains at 43.3 degrees Celsius. Many regions across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Interior Karnataka, West Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, and Vidarbha witnessed temperatures above normal, with several places in Uttarakhand, Odisha, Marathwada, Kerala, and Mahe also experiencing higher than average temperatures.
Delhi Weather Update
While residents of Delhi experienced a slight respite from the heat on Friday, IMD forecasts a continued rise in daytime temperatures. Strong winds are expected during the daytime on Saturday, but there is a possibility of further temperature increase.
Relief from the heat is not expected for the next five days, with temperatures likely to rise from 36 to 39 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Delhi on April 5 was recorded at 20.2 degrees Celsius, one degree higher than average, while the maximum temperature reached 36.4 degrees Celsius, two degrees higher than normal.
