IMD predicts severe heat wave in northwest and central India this week
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that large parts of northwest and central India may face intense to severe heat in the coming days, with Delhi being one of the worst-affected areas.The weather agency said the day temperature could reach 45 degrees Celsius in different parts of the national capital this week.According to IMD, Safdarjung, considered the primary weather center of Delhi, recorded a maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday, which is about two degrees above the seasonal average.For May 19, the IMD has predicted mainly clear skies along with heat wave conditions at isolated places in Delhi. Strong surface winds at speeds of 15-25 kmph, sometimes reaching 35 kmph, are also expected during the day.
Strong surface winds are also expected over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh from May 18 to May 24.IMD issues safety advisory amid heat waveThe IMD has advised people to take precautions against heat exposure, especially vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly and people suffering from chronic diseases.The agency said the heat is tolerable for the general public, but may pose moderate health risks to sensitive individuals.The department urged residents to drink enough water frequently, even if they do not feel thirsty, and recommended keeping fire extinguishers in homes and vehicles.Rain, thunderstorm in parts of northwest IndiaApart from heat wave conditions, the IMD has also predicted isolated rain, thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds over parts of northwest India including Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the coming days.In its All India Bulletin, the IMD warned that isolated thunderstorms with strong winds may affect Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh on May 18.Meanwhile, light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds is likely over parts of West India including Central Maharashtra, Konkan and Goa and Marathwada.