The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday predicted heat wave to severe heat wave conditions over the plains of the Northwest, Central and adjoining Peninsular India for the next five days and intense rainfall activity over Northeast between May 25 and May 27.
Issuing an orange alert for Punjab, Haryana,Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalseema, Chandigarh and Delhi, and Rajasthan from Sunday, the IMD said dry northwesterly winds prevailing over Northwest and Central India since past two days are expected to continue to prevail over the next four to five days. The highest maximum temperature of 46.6 degree celsius was reported at Churu and Ganganagar in Rajasthan. Jhansi and Pilani also recorded temperature of 46 degree Celsius on Saturday.
Under its influence, heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are expected over plains of Northwest and adjoining Central India. Rainfall activity has significantly reduced over south Peninsular India, giving rise to development of heat wave conditions over parts of the region as well, it said
Meanwhile, under the influence of converging strong southwesterly winds from the Bay of Bengal, Northeast will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls between May 25 and 27.
Heat wave conditions have been observed over West Rajasthan and in isolated pockets over Haryana, Delhi, East Rajasthan and Vidarbha since two days. The prevailing hot and dry weather in the region is also due to the absence of easterly winds which were all drawn towards the cyclone that wreaked havoc over North Odisha and Bengal on May 20
Meanwhile, parts of Northeast India have been experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall since past two days, it said, issuing a red alert specifically for Assam and Meghalaya on May 26 and 27. In large areas, a heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius for two consecutive.
Severe heat wave condition is when the mercury touches the 47 degrees Celsius-mark for two consecutive days. In small areas, like Delhi, a heat wave is declared when the temperature soars to 45 degrees Celsius even for a day, according to the IMD.