New Delhi: The much-needed relief from the scorching sun and heatwave is expected by the first week of June. According the latest updates, the heatwave conditions will continue to be at its peak for another 2-3 days but the country might take a deep sign of relief as monsoon and thunderstorm is likely to hit parts of India by the end of this week.

Rajendra Kumar Jenamani, Head of Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre has said that "the peak of heatwave has arrived & will stay like this till May 27. There will be some respite by May 29 as monsoon onset is likely to hit Kerala in first week of June. Monsoon this year will be normal."

On Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a statement that 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.

Elaborating the weather details, Kuldeep Shrivastava, head, regional weather forecasting centre in Delhi had said that no respite can be expected till May 27. In fact, 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,” Kuldeep Shrivastava said.

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.