Heatwave alert for Delhi, UP, Punjab, Haryana and others: What to expect in the next 5 days (Image credit: ANI)

Heat wave conditions continue across large parts of India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of severe temperatures in several states.In its press release dated May 20, the IMD said, “Heat to severe heat wave conditions are likely to persist over northwest and central India during the week and over eastern India during the next 5 days.“Temperature recorded at 48°C in Banda, Uttar PradeshAccording to the Meteorological Center in Lucknow, Banda district of Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest temperature in the state at 48 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Officials said that the temperature is 4.5 degrees above normal.Also read: Delhi, UP, Rajasthan, Punjab and other states are in the grip of heat wave – what is the reason for the rise in temperature?The weather department has issued a yellow alert in the state for the next three days, followed by an orange alert as the temperatures are likely to remain extremely high.The temperature in Delhi is likely to reach 46 degrees Celsius todayThere is a possibility of severe heat in the national capital for the next several days.According to the IMD forecast, the maximum temperature in Delhi may reach 46 degrees Celsius on May 21 and 22, while the temperature is likely to remain between 44 to 45 degrees Celsius between May 23 and 26.Punjab, Haryana are in the grip of extreme heatAccording to PTI report, Punjab and Haryana also remained in the grip of heat wave on Wednesday with the temperature crossing 46 degrees Celsius in Rohtak and Bathinda.Chandigarh also recorded a maximum temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius as scorching conditions prevailed across the region.Also read: Daily fight in Bhatti city: Workers face relentless heat in Delhi-NCRHowever, hilly areas like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are experiencing scattered rain and thundershowers.What to expect in the next 5 days?A warning of heat wave, hot and humid weather and hot night conditions has been issued by IMD for the next 5 days in these areas.24-26 May: There is a possibility of severe heat wave in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.20-26 May: There is a possibility of heat wave to severe heat wave in some parts of Western Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.20-24 May: There is a possibility of heat wave in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana and Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.20-24 May: Hot night conditions may persist over Odisha; Uttar Pradesh is likely to witness it on May 21-22.20-24 May: Hot and humid weather is expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha.Also read: Delhi gripped by heat wave, temperature reaches 46.5 degrees Celsius on Ridge; Orange alert extended till May 26 across NCRHealth advisory for alert areasred alert area– Extreme care has been advised for vulnerable people as the IMD says people of all ages have a very high chance of developing heat illness and heat stroke.orange alert area– The weather agency advises people to drink enough water, use ORS and home-made drinks like lassi, buttermilk and lemonade to stay hydrated.yellow alert area– Vulnerable groups have been advised to avoid heat exposure, wear loose cotton clothes and cover their heads when going out.