New Delhi:  After Delhi recorded 44.7°C, a full five degrees above normal temperature on Saturday, the Indian Meteorological Department has said that the heat wave will continue in the national capital for the next 4-5 days. The IMD also said that Delhi will witness severe heat waves as the temperature on 26th May might soar up to 46 degree celsius.


The weather stations at Palam, Lodhi Road and Ayanagar recorded their respective maximums at 45.6 degrees Celsius, 44.4 degrees Celsius and 46.2 degrees Celsius.

"Temperatures will continue to rise in Punjab, Haryana, southern UP, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana & coastal Andhra Pradesh. In the next 5 days, these areas will see heatwave to severe heatwave, temperatures could touch 47 deg Celcius at some places", Dr N Kumar, Scientist,IMD

“Till May 27, there will be no respite. The maximum temperature can go up to 46- 47 degree Celsius. From May 28 night, a western disturbance will affect us which may cause dust storm or thunderstorms. Low level easterly winds may also bring some relief after May 28,” said Kuldeep Shrivastava, head, regional weather forecasting centre, Delhi.

Severe heatwaves are likely to impact parts of northwest, central and peninsular India in next four to five days, while many parts of northeast India will experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall during the same period, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a statement on Saturday.

There are two criteria for a heatwave — when the maximum temperature is at least 40°C and between 4.5°C and 6.4°C higher than the normal, or when maximum temperature is over 45°C for two stations in a sub-division for two consecutive days. A severe heatwave is declared when maximum temperature is at least 40°C and more than 6.4°C higher than the normal, or when the maximum temperature is more than 47°C.

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