Sweltering heat has gripped parts of North India with maximum temperatures in the range of 40-45°C. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the highest temperature was recorded at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh at 45.2°C. Heatwave conditions also prevailed over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.
Heat waves are likely to persist in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on April 25; in West Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan by April 26; and in eastern Uttar Pradesh by April 27.
A yellow alert has been issued for the capital for tomorrow, while thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated places on April 26, the Regional Meteorological Center in New Delhi said.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh is set to influence new western unrest; however, temperatures will continue to rise. The Met Office said rain and thunderstorms are likely to lash the hill state in the next few days.
Read also | Heat wave alert: Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, UP on IMD alert till April 24
Speaking to ANI, IMD Senior Scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma said, “Temperatures are increasing across the state, especially in the mid and lower hills, and heat waves have been observed in some areas. A fresh western disturbance is expected to hit Himachal Pradesh from April 25.”
A severe heat wave has gripped parts of India.(IMD)
The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for parts of Una, Kangra and adjoining areas on April 24, warning of continued high temperatures in the lower hills.
Hot and humid conditions likely in several parts of India
Hot and humid conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over coastal Karnataka, Konkan & Goa, Saurashtra & Kutch, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar on April 25.
Read also | IMD Forecast: Heat wave in Delhi, Haryana; heavy rain, thunderstorms across India
These conditions are also expected over Tripura from April 24 to 26; Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal from April 24 to 30; Kerala & Mahe from April 24 to 26; and Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam from 24th to 28th April.
Forecast for a warm night in northern and central areas
Warm night conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and East Uttar Pradesh on April 25.
Meanwhile, amid soaring mercury levels, India’s peak power demand jumped to a seasonal high of 240 GW on Thursday.
Read also | Heat wave warning in 7 states, IMD predicts 3-5C rise in mercury in Delhi
The country’s highest satisfied power demand (day’s highest supply) was recorded slightly higher at 240.12 GW on April 23, up from 239.70 GW on April 22, the highest this summer.
According to experts, peak power consumption may soon surpass the second highest recorded at 243.27 GW in September 2023, with mercury levels rising and the intensity of heat waves increasing in the country.
A record high of 250 GW of peak power consumption was recorded in May 2024.
(With inputs from news agencies)
