The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for several states, even as parts of North India experience pleasant weather due to recent rainfall and strong winds. While the change in weather has brought much-needed respite from the heat, the IMD warns of soaring temperatures in the coming days.
The IMD predicts a significant rise in maximum temperatures across Northwest India over the next four to five days. Delhi, currently experiencing a comfortable 31 degrees Celsius, could see the mercury touch 40 degrees by March. This prediction comes on the heels of Sunday’s weather report, which recorded temperatures three degrees above normal.
Delhi residents woke up to a minimum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius and moderate humidity levels on Monday. However, the IMD forecasts strong winds and a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius for the day. The silver lining is the significant improvement in Delhi’s air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at a commendable 85, the cleanest between January 1 and March 15 in the past three years.
Meanwhile, a cyclonic circulation is developing over Assam, bringing heavy rain to Arunachal Pradesh and the possibility of showers across other Northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. The IMD predicts heavy rainfall and strong winds in these states for the next five days.
The Meteorological Department forecasts cloudy skies and strong winds in parts of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Rain is also expected in the coming days, along with continued cloudy and windy conditions.
Other parts of the country are also experiencing varied weather patterns. While Darjeeling, Sikkim, coastal and interior Karnataka, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and coastal Gujarat may witness rainfall, Odisha, Jharkhand, Telangana, and the Gangetic plains of West Bengal are bracing for a severe heatwave. The IMD advises citizens to take necessary precautions and stay hydrated during these extreme weather conditions.
Gujarat’s weather forecast predicts dry weather for the next seven days with no significant change in maximum temperature. However, from March 15 to 19, coastal areas of South Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch might experience uncomfortable hot and humid conditions, potentially leading to heatwaves.
Weather expert Paresh Goswami suggests temperatures will generally stay below 40 degrees Celsius until March 21. A new heatwave is anticipated in the last week of March, potentially pushing temperatures to 43 degrees Celsius in some regions. While some areas experience cloudy weather, high-level cloud formations have diminished the possibility of rain. However, cloudy weather may return, covering 50 to 60 per cent of the state by Monday.
The Meteorological Department has also forecast moderate rain in parts of Tamil Nadu till March 22. This weather pattern is attributed to an atmospheric depression over the region, which is also expected to bring rain to Puducherry and Karaikal.
While the rain offers some respite, temperatures in some areas of Tamil Nadu are expected to be 2 to 3 degrees Celsius higher than normal. Chennai can expect partly cloudy skies with a maximum temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Several areas have already experienced rain, providing relief from the heat. Aruppukottai in Virudhunagar district received moderate rainfall, while Kovilpatti in Thoothukudi district experienced a half-hour downpour. Tirunelveli also enjoyed a cooling spell of moderate rain.
