New Delhi: Heatwave conditions are likely to intensify over large parts of northwestern, central and western India in the coming days, even as thunderstorms, hail and heavy rain are expected in several regions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its forecast for next week.
The Meteorological Department also said that a low pressure area is likely to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal during the next 48 hours, which could affect the weather activity over peninsular India in the coming days.
The weather pattern could bring severe temperature swings, limited night relief in heat-hit states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, and disruptive rains and thunderstorm activity in north and south India, the IMD said.
Heat waves are likely over West Rajasthan and Gujarat till May 14, East Rajasthan till May 13 and West Madhya Pradesh during May 12-14.
The IMD sees maximum temperatures dropping by 2-3°C in the northwest during 11-12. May. During May 13-16, however, they will probably rise again by 3-5°C. Central India is expected to see a gradual rise in maximum temperatures of 2-4°C till May 14, while East India could see an increase of 2-3°C after May 12. Temperatures in Gujarat are likely to rise by 2-3°C till May 14, then drop slightly during the week.
The highest temperatures on Saturday were around 40°C and above at many places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, isolated parts of Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Rayalaseema, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. In the remaining parts of the country, they ranged from 36-40 °C, except the western Himalayan region, adjacent plains, island regions and northeastern India.
The highest maximum temperature of 45.7°C was reported in Rajasthan’s Barmer on Saturday, the IMD said.
Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are likely over northwest India till May 14, according to the IMD. “Occasional light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-60 km/h are likely during the 10th-14th.
Over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad during 10-13 May, Himachal Pradesh during May 141-15 Scattered to fairly extensive light to moderate rainfall or snowfall is forecast along with isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-60 km/h.
South India is likely to experience widespread rains, the IMD said. Isolated heavy rainfall has been forecast over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karajkal over the next seven days, offering some relief from the prevailing wet conditions.
