'Severe Heatwave' In Parts Of North India From 18-20 May, Isolated 'Heavy To Very Heavy' Rainfall In Southern States Till 23 May: IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a severe heatwave for parts of northern India, including Punjab and Delhi, from 18-20 May.

According to the IMD, severe heatwave conditions are expected in some areas of west Rajasthan from 17-20 May, and in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi from 18-20 May, Indian Express reported.

Temperatures in Delhi could reach up to 45 degrees Celsius by Saturday.

The IMD reported that temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees celsius in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and West Rajasthan from Friday to Monday, leading to severe heatwave conditions.

The ongoing heatwave alert for Jharkhand and Odisha will remain in place until Monday, while West Bengal and Bihar may see some relief starting Sunday.

On Thursday, Rajasthan recorded the highest temperatures, reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius.

Similar conditions were observed in parts of Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, where temperatures were 2-3 degrees above normal.

IMD data indicates that April saw the highest number of heatwave days in 15 years for Gangetic West Bengal and in nine years for Odisha.

Heatwaves are characterised by temperature anomalies rather than just high temperatures.

For example, a location normally experiencing 40 degrees Celsius in summer is not considered to be in a heatwave if the temperature rises to 42 or 43 degrees.

However, another location may be considered to be in a heatwave even at 35 degrees if its normal temperature is 27 or 28 degrees.

For southern India, the IMD has predicted rainfall and thunderstorms in certain regions as the southwest monsoon is expected to move into the south Andaman Sea, parts of the Bay of Bengal, and the Nicobar Islands around Sunday.

"Wet spell with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely to continue over south Peninsular India till 23 May, 2024," the IMD said.

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