New Delhi/Chandigarh, May 24 (IANS). Heat wave conditions are expected to continue in large parts of north-west India for the next four to five days. ‘Red alert’ has been issued for Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and ‘Yellow alert’ has been issued for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Meteorologist Akhil Srivastava told IANS that at present a ‘western disturbance’ is centered over Jammu and Kashmir, due to which there is a possibility of thunderstorm in the hilly areas, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
He said, “Today a Western Disturbance was centered over Jammu and Kashmir. In view of this, there is a possibility of thunderstorm over the hilly areas, mainly Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.”
Srivastava said that there is also a possibility of hailstorm at some different places in Jammu. “There is also a possibility of hailstorm at some isolated places in Jammu. Keeping this in mind, ‘Orange Alert’ has been issued for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Srivastava also said that thunderstorms may occur at isolated places in the plains, but this is not likely to provide any major relief from the current heat.
He said, “The heat wave conditions currently prevailing in north-west India are expected to continue for the next four to five days. There is very little possibility of any major change in the maximum temperature.”
Meanwhile, heat wave conditions persisted in parts of Chandigarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, leaving residents there facing rising temperatures and difficult daytime conditions.
A resident of Chandigarh told IANS that the increasing heat is becoming a matter of concern not only for humans but also for animals and the environment. The heat is increasing very much and the temperature is also increasing a lot. We all should take care of ourselves, as well as birds, animals and trees.
IMD has advised people in the affected areas to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest time of the afternoon, drink plenty of water and take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
The continuous scorching heat in Northern and Central India has increased the concern about the adverse impact on people’s health and agriculture. In such a situation, officials are closely monitoring the changes in the weather in the coming days.
At the same time, heat wave is intense in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. People do not seem to be getting any respite from the heat. A local youth said that the heat is so much that the roads have become deserted. The heat has been increasing for about 10 days.
Shopkeeper Imran Khan said that due to the scorching heat, people are not coming out of their homes, due to which shopkeeping is not possible. Savings are not happening and it is becoming difficult to run the household with what we get. The e-rickshaw driver said that he was not getting a ride due to the heat. Everyone is getting worried.
A business woman affected by the heat wave in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh said that people are not able to come out of their homes in the scorching heat. Earthen utensils are not being sold. At the same time, the flower seller said that people are not coming out, the heat is intense and the business is getting affected. The heat is likely to be more intense in Nautapa.
–IANS
ASH/ABM