Heatwave conditions continue to grip large parts of Northwest India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of severe temperatures across several states.
IMD Warning and Current Conditions
In its May 20 press release, the IMD said, “Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed in isolated pockets over East Uttar Pradesh; heat wave conditions in few pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh; in isolated pockets over Jammu Division, East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Banda Records 48°C
Banda district in Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest temperature in the state at 48 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, according to the Meteorological Centre in Lucknow. Officials said the temperature was 4.5 degrees above normal. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for the next three days in the state, followed by an orange alert as temperatures are expected to remain extremely high.
Delhi Likely to Touch 46°C Today
The national capital is expected to remain under severe heatwave conditions for the next several days. According to the IMD forecast, Delhi’s maximum temperature may touch 46 degrees Celsius on May 21 and 22, while temperatures between May 23 and May 26 are likely to remain between 44 and 45 degrees Celsius.
Punjab, Haryana Reel Under Intense Heat
As reported by PTI, Punjab and Haryana continued to reel under heatwave conditions on Wednesday, with Rohtak and Bathinda crossing the 46 degrees Celsius mark. Chandigarh also recorded a maximum temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius as scorching conditions persisted across the region. The hilly regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are, however, experiencing isolated showers and thunderstorms.
What to Expect in the Next 5 Days
A heat wave, hot & humid weather and warm night conditions warning has been issued by IMD for the next 5 days in these areas:
- May 24–26: Severe heatwave conditions likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.
- May 20–26: Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions expected in West Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
- May 20–24: Heatwave conditions likely over Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana and Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam.
- May 20–24: Warm night conditions may prevail in Odisha; Uttar Pradesh likely to witness it on May 21–22.
- May 20–24: Hot and humid weather expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha.
Health Advisory for Alerted Areas
Red alert areas: Extreme care has been advised for vulnerable people as IMD says there are very high chances of developing heat illness and heat stroke in all ages.
Orange alert regions: The weather agency advises people to drink enough water, use ORS and homemade drinks like lassi, buttermilk and lemon water to stay hydrated.
Yellow alert areas: Vulnerable groups have been advised to avoid heat exposure, wear loose cotton clothes and cover their heads while outdoors.
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