Heatwaves set to return in parts of north and central India, warns IMD

NEW DELHI: The brief respite from extreme heat, brought on by two wet spells in northwest and parts of central India, is over. The India Meteorological Department Sunday predicted a gradual rise in day (maximum) temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius over northwest India in the next five days and a fresh heatwave spell in many parts of the country.

IMD said heatwave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of south UP and MP during April 22-24; over Rajasthan and Haryana on April 23-24; and over Vidarbha during April 21-23. Issuing ‘yellow’ (be aware) alerts for these regions, IMD advised people, particularly the elderly and infants to avoid heat exposure. The Northeast, however, may get a fresh spell of heavy rain from Tuesday while east India is likely to see a gradual temperature rise of 4-6 degrees C in the next four days.

Heatwave conditions peaked around April 8, with mercury crossing 46 degrees C in parts of west Rajasthan. Thereafter, a spell of rain from April 9 to 12, and another last week, brought temperatures down by several notches. On Sunday, Chandrapur in Maharashtra was India’s hottest spot at 44.6 degrees C.