A yellow alert has been issued for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh due to a heatwave.
The unyielding surge in temperature continues its relentless ascent with each passing day, casting a blistering veil over vast swathes of North India. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the sprawling landscapes of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh, the mercury scales new heights, peaking at a scorching 42 degrees Celsius.
Meteorological predictions had forewarned of this oppressive heat, indicating above-normal maximum temperatures for much of the country throughout the month of May.
In response to this escalating heatwave, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded the alarm, issuing an Orange Alert for Rajasthan on May 17-18. IMD Director Radheshyam Sharma provides insight into the forecasted conditions, detailing the anticipated weather phenomena across various regions. Cities such as Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer, and Kota are poised to experience a tumultuous blend of strong winds, crackling lightning, and sporadic bouts of rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Conversely, areas like Bikaner, Jaipur, and Bharatpur brace for a parched spell over the next five days.
As the calendar flips past May 16, a prevailing dry spell is projected to envelop most regions, accompanied by a notable uptick of 2-4 degrees Celsius in temperature. The onset of the heatwave is earmarked for May 16, with the subsequent days, particularly May 17-18, earmarked for the potential onslaught of a severe heatwave across western Rajasthan, where temperatures could soar to a scorching 45-46 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the bustling capital of Jaipur has already begun to feel the oppressive heat, with temperatures hovering between 41-42 degrees Celsius. Projections indicate a further rise of 2-3 degrees Celsius over the ensuing three days, exacerbating the already sweltering conditions.
The Meteorological Department, in its forecast for Delhi-NCR, anticipates clear skies on the horizon for Wednesday. However, these clear skies will offer little respite, as the relentless sun will blaze unabated, driving the mercury to its zenith at 42 degrees Celsius. In the enveloping darkness of night, the mercury is expected to dip slightly, yet remaining uncomfortably warm at around 25 degrees Celsius.
