A heat wave has significantly impacted northwest India, with unusually high temperatures recorded both during the day and at night on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted some relief later in the week, as thunderstorms are expected to bring down temperatures on Friday and Saturday.
Heat Wave Conditions Across the Region
Orange and yellow alerts have been issued for most of the region, urging local authorities to prepare for possible heat-related illnesses. Those exposed to prolonged sun exposure or engaging in strenuous activities are at increased risk, particularly infants, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
Regions experiencing heat wave conditions include parts of Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Kutch, and Punjab, as well as Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and western Uttar Pradesh. Warm night conditions have also been recorded in areas such as southern Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
At Safdarjung, a key weather station in Delhi, temperatures soared to 41°C, a significant 5.9°C above normal. The minimum temperature on Wednesday was recorded at 25.6°C, which is 5.6°C above normal.
Temperature Outlook and Thunderstorm Activity
IMD has predicted that heat wave conditions will return to Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi after a brief respite, starting April 15. This will follow a short drop in temperatures due to thunderstorms expected on Friday and Saturday.
Maximum temperatures across several regions, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh, remain 4-7°C above normal. Areas like Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram have seen temperatures 1-3°C above average.
Weather Patterns Influencing the Heat
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Skymet Weather, explained that the unusually high temperatures observed this early in April are typically seen later in the season, around late April or May. He added that the wind direction has shifted to easterly, which has increased humidity levels, exacerbating the heat wave.
A western disturbance and an induced cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan are expected to trigger thunderstorm activity, which will help to alleviate the heat by the end of the week.
Relief Expected with Thunderstorms and Rainfall
M. Mohapatra, Director General of IMD, noted that an anti-cyclone over Saurashtra is currently causing extremely hot conditions in the region. However, this anti-cyclone is expected to move toward the Arabian Sea by April 10-11, which will change the wind patterns and bring much-needed relief. The western disturbance will likely affect the western Himalayan region, leading to cloudy skies and light rainfall in the northern plains, including Delhi.
Thunderstorm and Rainfall Forecasts
Under the influence of the western disturbance, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h) are expected in northwest India on Thursday and Friday. These weather events will significantly impact the ongoing heat wave conditions. Areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad are likely to experience scattered rainfall and hailstorms. Himachal Pradesh will also see isolated rainfall.
Additionally, dust storms are expected in western Rajasthan until Friday, further complicating the weather conditions.
Conclusion: Preparing for Relief
As IMD predicts the end of the current heat wave by mid-April, residents across affected regions should stay prepared for the potential of thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall. Authorities have urged the public to take precautions to prevent heat-related health issues, especially for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
