The Indian Meteorological Department on Thursday warned that heatwave conditions could continue in multiple states over the weekend.
The IMD tweeted “Heat wave conditions over Northwest & Central India during next 5 days and over East India during next 3 days and abate thereafter. Rain/Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning/gusty winds likely to continue over Northeast India.”
The IMD has issued an 'orange warning' for heatwave for Rajasthan (west), Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
IMD scientist R.K. Jenamani told ANI the orange warning was issued as some areas recorded temperatures of about 45 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. He said “During 1st week of May, we expect to witness western disturbances and chances of rain increase.”
The Tribune quoted an IMD official as saying “Punjab and Haryana over the next five days could reach 44-45 degrees Celsius, approaching its record April temperature, while some parts of Punjab could reach up to 46 degrees.”
The IMD predicted dust storms were “very likely” over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on April 30.
NDTV reported on Thursday “Delhi witnessed yet another warm morning today... the weather office predicted a heatwave in the region during the day with the maximum temperature likely to touch 43 degrees Celsius. The weather office has predicted the temperature in the national capital to touch 44 degrees Celsius by Friday.”
Meanwhile, Rajasthan has joined Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh in announcing power cuts for factories to manage surging power demand.
The IMD said the heatwave could lead to “moderate” health concerns for vulnerable people—infants, elderly, people with chronic diseases—in affected areas. “Hence people of these regions should avoid heat exposure, wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes and cover the head by use of cloth, hat or umbrella etc,” it said.
India recorded its warmest March in 122 years with a severe heatwave scorching large swathes of the country during the month. Parts of the country are also seeing wheat yields drop by up to 35 per cent due to the unseasonal heat.
