India is set to endure a few more days of intense heat, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heatwave alert for large parts of Northwest and Central India till April 28. Several states remain on alert as temperatures continue to stay above normal, raising concerns over heat-related illnesses.
The IMD has forecast a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 2 to 3C over Gujarat till April 26. This will be followed by a fall of 2 to 4C between April 27 and May 1, indicating some relief ahead. Across the plains of Northwest India and the Western Himalayan region, no major change in temperatures is expected till April 27.
In recent days, many regions have recorded temperatures more than 5C above normal. Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions were observed in isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh on April 25. Several areas in Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan also reported heatwave conditions.
Multiple states under alert
The weather office has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.
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Warm night conditions are also likely to persist. Punjab and Uttar Pradesh may experience this on April 26, while Haryana and Delhi could see similar conditions between April 26 and 27. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are expected to face warm nights on April 27 and 28.
Rainfall likely in East and Northeast India
While much of the country deals with heat, parts of East and Northeast India are likely to receive significant rainfall. The IMD said, “Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Arunachal Pradesh on 26th & 29th; Assam & Meghalaya on 26th; Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura during 27th -30th; with isolated very heavy rainfall likely over Arunachal Pradesh during 27th, 28th 30th April & 01st May and Assam & Meghalaya during 27th April-01st May.”
Heavy rainfall is also expected in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim till May 1.
The IMD stated, “Hot and humid weather conditions very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over …Odisha during 26th -27th; Tripura, Konkan & Goa, Gujarat State, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala & Mahe on 26th; Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal during 26th -29th April.”
Also Read | What’s behind Delhi hitting 43C before May even begins?
Delhi braces for high temperatures
Delhi is expected to see a partly cloudy sky along with heatwave conditions in isolated areas. Maximum temperatures are likely to range between 41C and 43C, while minimum temperatures may stay between 25C and 27C. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to remain above normal levels.
The IMD has advised people to take precautions to avoid heat-related risks. Key measures include staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure between noon and 4 PM, wearing light and loose clothing, using hats or umbrellas, and ensuring children or pets are not left inside parked vehicles.
Relief from the ongoing heatwave is expected after April 28, offering a brief respite to several affected regions.
