IMD predicts rainfall in several states, longer heatwave in Northwest
What's the story
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has released a weather forecast expecting light to heavy rains in several states, and heatwave conditions in others.
According to the IMD bulletin, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab are very likely to witness light to moderate rains with thunderstorms and lightning today.
Heavy downpours are likely in J&K's Jammu division, while Kashmir may see heavy rainfall/snowfall.
Weather conditions
Heavy snowfall and rainfall expected in Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh
The IMD forecast also predicts heavy snowfall at isolated places in Ladakh today. Arunachal Pradesh is also likely to see heavy rainfall at isolated places.
Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe will witness light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
The weather patterns have been attributed to a western disturbance as well as an upper air cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan.
Temperature rise
Heatwave conditions expected in Odisha
The IMD has predicted clear skies and no rain for Delhi. However, a rise in temperature is expected in the national capital today.
Maximum temperature is likely to be recorded at 38-40°C, while minimum may range from 17-19°C.
Heatwave conditions have also been forecast in isolated pockets of Odisha today, besides hot and humid weather in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam.
Temperature forecast
IMD predicts temperature fluctuations in northwest and central India
IMD's forecast indicates a gradual increase in maximum temperatures by 2-3°C over most places in the plains of Northwest India in the next two days, followed by a drop in temperature by 3-5°C.
In East India, a gradual increase in maximum temperatures by 4-6°C along with 2-3°C over Interior Maharashtra during the next four to five days has been predicted.
Central India will also see a gradual increase in maximum temperatures by 2-3°C during the next two to three days.
Heatwave
Expect 10 to 12 heatwave days
The weather agency has also predicted nearly double the number of heatwave days in Northwest India. This season is likely to last 10-12 days rather than the normal 5-6 days.
"We are expecting slightly above normal heatwave conditions, especially over West and Central India. Generally, Northwest India sees around 5 to 6 heatwave days. This year, we expect 10 to 12 days, which is double the normal," IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy said.