IMD warns of severe heatwave; Delhi, Rajasthan on high alert
Severe heatwave warnings have been issued across north and central India; Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat are set to face temperatures above 40°C in the coming days
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a prolonged spell of scorching temperatures across vast swathes of India.
Red and orange alerts are in place for several states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Delhi, as heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to prevail from April 6 to 10.
According to the IMD, a heatwave occurs when the maximum temperature is at least 40°C or when the maximum temperature exceeds the normal temperature by 4.5°C or more.
It is also classified as a heatwave if temperatures touch 45°C, regardless of the deviation.
A 'severe' heatwave is declared when the maximum is 6.5°C or more above normal.
Also Read: April-June to be hotter than usual, more heatwave days likely in many states: IMD
Delhi turns hot
Delhi recorded 38.2°C on Sunday (April 6), three degrees above normal. A heatwave spell is likely, with temperatures expected to rise to 40-42°C early this week.
The IMD has sounded a yellow alert for Monday and Tuesday, warning of possible heat-related illnesses due to prolonged sun exposure.
The capital's air quality has dipped to the "poor" category, worsening heat-related stress.
North India scorched
The heatwave will impact several northern and central states including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra.
Temperatures are expected to gradually rise across central India, with little chance of relief this week. The heatwave alert remains in place from April 5 to 10, varying by region.
Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat and parts of western Rajasthan are facing red alerts due to extreme conditions. Coastal regions of Gujarat and the Konkan belt are also likely to experience hot and humid conditions.
Temperatures may not rise sharply, but high humidity will increase discomfort, prompting advisories against outdoor activities.
A gradual rise in maximum temperature by 2 to 4°C is likely across many parts of northwest Maharashtra and southwest India.
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Rainfall in the South
In contrast, the southern and north-eastern states are set to receive light to moderate showers due to a cyclonic circulation.
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka are expected to see intermittent rainfall till April 10.
North-eastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland may also receive gusty winds and thunderstorms, bringing some respite from the summer heat.
Advisory issued
The IMD advises caution for vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Fishermen are warned against venturing into the Bay of Bengal due to gusty winds.
Heat-related illnesses can be life-threatening; hence, timely precautions are essential during this alert period.
Also Read: Infants, older adults in India exposed to more heatwave days in last decade: Lancet report
