Heatwave condition to be at its peak over north, central India today

The heatwave condition will be at its peak today (May 26) over the plains of northwest and central India, and the adjoining interior parts of eastern India due to the prevailing northwesterly dry wind over these areas, predicted the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The present heatwave condition is very likely to prevail for the next two days, it said in its bulletin. According to the IMD, a heatwave condition is considered when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for plains, at least 37°C for coastal stations and at least 30°C for hilly regions.

The IMD has also predicted thunderstorms in several areas of north India on May 29-30, which would bring the much-needed relief from the heatwave. It said the maximum temperature over the plains of north India is likely reduce from May 28 with substantial reduction in heatwave conditions from May 29.

Related news: Thunderstorm on May 29-30 to bring respite from prevailing heatwave in north

Under favourable wind conditions over parts of central and adjoining eastern parts of India, heatwave conditions also likely to reduce from these areas from May 29, the bulletin said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the IMD has also predicted very heavy rainfall in Meghalaya and Assam, and said a red colour-coded weather alert has been issued for the two northeastern state from May 26-28. Sathi Devi, head of the IMD’s national weather forecasting centre, said there is a strong flow of south-westerly winds from the Bay of Bengal, bringing a lot of moisture to these two states.

This is aided by the orographic factors of these two states that will bring in very heavy rainfall, she added. The IMD said rainfall is likely at most places, with heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places. A few isolated will also receive extremely heavy falls, it added.

“Red-colour coded warning has been issued to Assam and Meghalaya for the next three days,” IMD director general Mrurunjay Mohapatra said. He added that northeast India gets maximum rainfall in June, followed by May.

Meanwhile, advancement of the monsoon which was hindered by super cyclonic storm Amphan will start from Wednesday, Devi said. She added that the monsoon will start moving ahead in other parts of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago and Bay of Bengal from Wednesday.

According to the IMD, the monsoon is likely to hit Kerala on June 5, four days after its normal onset date. A low pressure area is also building up in the Arabian Sea from May 30, Mohapatra said. A low pressure area is the first stage of any cyclone. However, it is not necessary that every low pressure area intensifies into a cyclone.

The IMD has also cautioned fishermen along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka not to venture out for deep sea fishing from May 30-June 4.

(With inputs from agencies)