Heatwave Alert: Hotter Days Ahead For Delhi, Northwest India. Check States To Be Hit By Soaring Temperatures

According to IMD, the maximum temperature in Delhi is likely to settle around 42 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature will touch 24 degrees Celsius.

India Meteorological Department has forecast heatwave conditions for several parts of Northwest India including Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, causing these states to simmer in the scorching heat amid heatwave conditions from May 16 to May 18. As per IMD's forecast, Delhi and the surrounding states will witness an increase in temperature till May 18.

The MeT Department stated that the temperature in Delhi is likely to reach 45 degrees Celsius over the weekend. This will be a result of dry westerly and northwesterly winds, along with clear skies, which will lead to direct sunlight in the northern states from May 16.

Mercury Touches 41.2 Degrees Celsius In National Capital

On Wednesday, the national capital recorded a high of 41.2 degrees Celsius, which was over a notch higher than the season's average, the IMD said.

According to the weather department, Delhi noted a minimum temperature of 22.9  degrees Celsius, which was over two notches below the normal. Meanwhile, the relative humidity during the day oscillated between 28 to 49 per cent.

For today, IMD has forecast a mainly clear sky along with strong surface winds at a speed of 20- 30 kmph during the day. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 42 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature will touch 24 degrees Celsius.

Heatwave Warning In These States For Next 5 Days

As per IMD's weather forecast, heatwave conditions are very likely to affect isolated or some pockets over West Rajasthan during May 15-19. Besides Rajasthan, Punjab, south Harayana will also face heatwave conditions during May 16-19.

North Madhya Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar will witness heatwave conditions during May 17-19.

"Severe Heat wave conditions also very likely in isolated/some parts of West Rajasthan during May 17-19, Punjab, south Haryana on May 18 and 19, and East Rajasthan on May 19," IMD said.

Isolated pockets over Gujarat during May 15-17, Konkan on May 15 and 16, Saurashtra and Kutch on May 16 and 17, Jharkhand, Odisha, Delhi, Gangetic West Bengal on May 18 and 19, are predicted to very likely face heat wave conditions.

Hot and humid weather is very likely to prevail over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Bihar on May 15 and 16. 

IMD Issues Heatwave Warning For Mumbai & Thane

Amid the sweltering conditions, IMD had also issued a heatwave alert for Mumbai and Thane for Wednesday along with the possibility of a thunderstorm. 

These heatwave conditions will presist in Thane today, while Mumbai will be hot and humid. 

Mercury To Rise By 2-4 Degrees Celsius In Odisha From Today

After a brief respite from heatwave, Odisha will witness an increase in temperatures from May 16, an IMD official said.

"There will be no change in the day temperature for the next 48 hours. The temperature will again start rising by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius on May 16 onwards," Director of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, Manorama Mohanty told PTI.

Mohanty added that dry weather will prevail in the state from May 18. 

IMD Predicts Southwest Monsoon To Arrive In Kerala By May 31

IMD on Wednesday announced that the Southwest Monsoon is likely to reach Kerala around May 31. This will mark the onset of the four-month rainfall season that is crucial for India's agricultural sector.

"This year, the Southwest Monsoon is likely to set over Kerala on May 31 with a model error of dour days," the IMD said. 

Last month, the IMD had forecast above-normal rainfall during the June-September Southwest Monsoon season.