Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan may witness ‘severe heatwave conditions’ this weekend. An orange alert has been issued for these states, including a ‘high health concern’ for vulnerable people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the sultry conditions will prevail over northwest India over the next five days.
“Severe heatwave conditions are very likely in some parts of west Rajasthan during May 17-20 and in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi during May 18-20,” the IMD said. The mercury could soar to 45 degrees Celsius in the national capital by Saturday.
An orange alert was also issued by the Met office for Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi, while emphasising the ‘high health concern’ for vulnerable people, including infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases. It warned of an increased likelihood of heat-related illnesses in people exposed to the sun for prolonged periods or engaging in heavy work.
From May 18 onwards, a fresh heatwave spell will also commence over east and central India.
The weather office also issued a yellow alert for east Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha. The Met office had earlier predicted a higher-than-normal number of heatwave days in the northern plains and central India in May.
Normally, the northern plains, central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India experience around three days of heatwaves in May. April saw record-smashing maximum temperatures in east, northeast and southern peninsular India, prompting health warnings from government agencies and some states to suspend in-person classes in schools.
Several places recorded their highest-ever April day temperatures, with the mercury soaring to 47 degrees Celsius. At least two people died in Kerala due to suspected heatstroke.
According to IMD data heatwave days in April were the highest in 15 years in Gangetic West Bengal and nine years in Odisha. Odisha also experienced the longest heatwave spell (16 days) in April since 2016.