New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday warned of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions across parts of northwest and central India over the coming days, with temperatures expected to rise further in several regions this week.
In a special heatwave bulletin, the weather office said maximum temperatures are likely to increase gradually by 2°C to 3°C across many parts of northwest India between May 19 and May 24, while parts of Chhattisgarh may witness a sharper rise of 3°C to 4°C until May 21.
The IMD said isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Rajasthan and east Rajasthan are likely to experience heatwave conditions through the week ending May 24.
In Uttar Pradesh, both western and eastern regions may witness heatwave to severe heatwave conditions from May 20 to May 24, it added.
Several parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Marathwada and central Maharashtra are also expected to face heatwave conditions in isolated pockets on different days between May 19 and May 24.
The weather office further stated that Bihar and Telangana could experience heatwave conditions in isolated areas between May 19 and May 21, while similar conditions are expected over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam from May 20 to May 24.
However, the IMD said no major changes in daytime temperatures are expected over most other parts of the country until May 24.
For Maharashtra and Gujarat, the department forecast no significant change in temperatures until May 18, followed by a gradual drop of 2°C to 3°C between May 19 and May 24.
The IMD has advised people in heatwave-prone regions to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, remain hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens and outdoor workers.
