The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heat wave conditions in North-West, Central and West India for the next four to five days. These states include parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Heatwave conditions are also forecast for Haryana, South Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, northern parts of East Madhya Pradesh, North Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada during March 30 to April 1. However, rain has also been forecast in some parts of Bihar, which may bring some respite from the heat.
During the next two days, heat wave conditions are very likely in many districts of North Gujarat and Saurashtra. Similar conditions are likely to prevail over West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Rajasthan during the next 4-5 days.
Will the temperature increase in Delhi-NCR too?
The national capital and adjoining areas are likely to witness a rise in temperature in the immediate days. By the end of March, the mercury may dip below touching 40 degree Celsius.
Which cities are likely to see above 40 degrees?
IMD’s weather forecast in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, according to which the maximum temperature can cross 40 degree Celsius. Jammu on Sunday recorded a maximum temperature of 37.3 degrees Celsius, breaking the 76-year-old record for the month of March. Sonam Lotus, Director of the Meteorological Department, was quoted as saying that the highest temperature of the day was recorded on March 31, 1945, at 37.2 degrees Celsius. A heat wave warning has been issued in Ratlam, Dhar, Narmadapuram, Khargone and Khandwa districts of Madhya Pradesh.
Relief can be found in Bihar
People in northeastern parts of Bihar can expect respite from the initial heat as light rain is likely at isolated places from Wednesday to Friday. But since Friday, a heat wave warning has been issued in the southwest and south-central parts of the state. Patna Meteorological Center said that several districts of South Bihar including Kaimur, Gaya, Aurangabad and Nawada are likely to experience heatwave conditions on April 1 and 2.
As per the norms of India Meteorological Department (IMD), when the normal temperature is 40 degree Celsius and above and the actual temperature is 4.5 degree above normal for two consecutive days then it is called as heat wave condition.