Will Delhi, NCR see worsening heatwave conditions this week?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a significant rise in Delhi's temperature this week. Officials from the IMD have stated that daytime temperatures could reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. However, a slight respite is expected on April 13 with predictions of light rain and thunderstorms. The city continues to experience above-average temperatures, adding to the discomfort of its residents.
Why does this story matter?
In March, the IMD forecast abnormal temperature increases nationwide, with heatwave conditions anticipated in parts of India during April and May. On Sunday, Delhi experienced a maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius, slightly surpassing the seasonal average, as reported by the IMD. Separately, a recent study highlights that prolonged periods of high-intensity heatwaves can substantially raise mortality rates in Indian urban areas.
IMD forecasts rainfall and thunderstorms in eight states
The weather department has predicted rainfall and thunderstorms in eight states, including Sikkim, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, West Bengal for the next seven days. On Sunday, Delhi's minimum temperature was recorded at 16.3 degrees Celsius which is three notches below the season's average. Despite this dip in temperature, the city continues to experience higher than average daytime temperatures.
Central and southern India already experiencing high temperatures
Several states in central India and some regions in the south are already experiencing maximum temperatures ranging from 40 to 42°C. In Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Telangana, the temperature has significantly exceeded the seasonal average this year. The most prone areas to increased heatwaves are Gujarat, Maharashtra, North Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, North Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh as per IMD's predictions.
Heatwaves expected across India, warns IMD
The IMD has predicted heatwaves over east and peninsular India for the next two days. Prolonged heatwaves are expected this summer across India, particularly between April and June. The most likely areas to experience these conditions are Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. The department has advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and wear lightweight, light-colored cotton clothes.
IMD reports rainfall and snowfall in various regions
The weather department reported light to moderate rainfall or snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, at most places over Arunachal Pradesh and isolated places over sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim. Light rainfall/snowfall with thunderstorms was also observed at isolated places over Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty wind was observed at a few places over Assam & Meghalaya; Lakshadweep; and isolated areas of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana.
