Weather updates: IMD issues heatwave warning for 10 states; check full weather forecast here
PTC News Desk: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued alerts on Tuesday, indicating the persistence of scorching heatwave conditions in significant parts of east India, with potential spread to southern regions. Odisha has been under the grip of a heatwave since April 15, while West Bengal has experienced similar conditions since April 17.
According to an official statement by the IMD, 'heatwave to severe heatwave' conditions are anticipated to prevail across eastern India and southern peninsular India over the next five days. These conditions are expected to affect areas in West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
Moreover, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Bihar may experience heightened discomfort due to elevated humidity levels.
A heatwave is officially declared when the maximum temperature at a weather station reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher in plains, 37 degrees in coastal areas, and 30 degrees in hilly regions, with a deviation from the normal temperature of at least 4.5 notches. If the deviation surpasses 6.4 notches, it is categorised as a severe heatwave.
With El Niño conditions prevailing albeit weakening, the IMD had previously cautioned about the likelihood of extreme heat during the April-June period, coinciding with the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, prompting concerns regarding vulnerability to heatwaves.
Uttar Pradesh
Areas of Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi and nearby regions of Purvanchal, grappled with intense heat since Saturday. The mercury soared close to 43°C during the daytime in these parts, according to the IMD.
Delhi
A sudden change in weather greeted Delhi on Tuesday evening as rain lashed various parts of the national capital.
Airport authorities reported the diversion of 15 flights from Delhi due to adverse weather conditions. Moreover, eight individuals suffered injuries when a house wall collapsed amidst the sudden rainfall and storm in the Malviya Nagar area.
Dr. Naresh Kumar, a senior scientist at IMD, informed ANI that temperatures in Eastern India could reach up to 44 degrees Celsius over the next 4-5 days.
- With inputs from agencies
