Will North India Be Next To Bear Heatwave After Bengal, Odissa, K'taka? Here's What IMD Scientist Said

The scientist elaborated that the increased occurrence of thunderstorm activities has led to a notable drop in temperatures, with potential decreases ranging from 4 to 5 degrees Celsius.

New Delhi: Giving news of relief from searing heatwave, Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD) scientist, Soma Sen Roy, on Saturday said that the chances of heatwave conditions in North India are less likely to happen amidst an increase in thunderstorm activities. 

Speaking with ANI, Soma Sen Roy said, "Yesterday (April 26), we observed thunderstorm activities, especially in North-West India... There have been quite strong winds blowing. In states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, we witnessed hailstorm activities."

The scientist elaborated that the increased occurrence of thunderstorm activities has led to a notable drop in temperatures, with potential decreases ranging from 4 to 5 degrees Celsius. This phenomenon, she explained, contributes to the diminished likelihood of heatwave conditions in North India.

Additionally, citing the prevalence of strong dusty winds, an orange alert was issued by the IMD. She also forecasts a continuation of thunderstorm activities in the plains, warranting another orange alert for Punjab and Haryana.

In the western Himalayan region, the orange alert status was expected to persist. Thunderstorm activities, along with by heavy rains, were projected to persist over Jammu & Kashmir and the western Himalayas, prompting the issuance of an orange alert for these areas.

Heatwave In East India

While discussing heatwave conditions in India, Soma Sen Roy mentioned the likelihood of heatwaves in East Uttar Pradesh, emphasising the severity faced by East India, Gangetic West Bengal, and Orissa.

In these regions, temperatures could soar above 45°C to 47°C, leading to a red alert status for parts of Gangetic West Bengal and Orissa due to sustained high temperatures. Roy also noted that Eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Southern regions including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Raiseema, and Konkan will continue to experience heatwaves over the next two to five days.

Meanwhile, the IMD's forecast for Himachal Pradesh anticipates thunderstorms, hail, and rainfall in 10 districts over the next 48 hours, with isolated occurrences expected in Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una, IMD Shimla predicts.