Delhi temperature may touch 45°C next week, IMD warns
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heatwave conditions in Delhi and other parts of North India over the next week. The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to touch 45 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperatures also remaining above normal. The weather department has not yet issued a color-coded alert but has warned of strong surface winds reaching speeds up to 40km/h during the day.
Forecast details
Delhi's temperature likely to touch 45°C
The IMD has forecast that maximum temperatures in Delhi will remain between 43°C and 45°C from May 18 to May 20. The minimum temperature is also expected to be above normal during this period. On Saturday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 40.8°C, slightly above normal, and a minimum temperature of 24.8°C, which was below normal.
Widespread impact
Rise in temperature due to shift in wind direction
The IMD has predicted heatwave conditions in several northern states and Union territories, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. Temperatures across the country are likely to rise by 3-5°C till May 20. Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather explained that the shift from easterlies to northwesterly winds from central Pakistan and Rajasthan is causing this temperature rise.
Regional forecast
Severe heatwave conditions likely in UP, Rajasthan, MP
Severe heatwave conditions are likely to prevail over isolated parts of Uttar Pradesh between May 19 and May 23. The IMD also predicted heatwave conditions over isolated pockets of Rajasthan from May 17-23, and similar conditions for Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh. In South India, thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are expected in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, with isolated light rain possible in Uttarakhand, among other regions.