27 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The northwestern and central regions of India are expected to get some respite from the intense heat after three days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This relief comes in light of a fresh western disturbance, IMD Chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra announced on Monday.
Rajasthan and Gujarat have endured nine to twelve days of heat waves, with temperatures soaring between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius. “Expect relief from the heat wave in northwest and central parts of the country after three days due to a western disturbance and moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea. There could be some thunderstorm activity in northwest India and rain in the western Himalayan region,” Mohapatra stated during a virtual press conference.
Delhi, southern Haryana, southwest Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab have recorded five to seven days of heat waves, with maximum temperatures ranging from 44 to 48 degrees Celsius. Assam also faced a heat wave with record-breaking temperatures on May 25-26.
The IMD attributes the severe heat wave conditions in northwest India and parts of the central region in the latter half of May to several factors: a lack of rainfall, stronger dry and warm winds, and an anti-cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat.
Mohapatra noted that out of the five western disturbances that affected north India recently, only two were significantly active. The anticipated western disturbance and associated moisture from the Arabian Sea are expected to bring much-needed relief to the scorched regions.
The IMD’s forecast brings a glimmer of hope for residents in these regions, who have been grappling with unprecedented heat. Authorities and citizens are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions until the expected weather changes provide relief.