The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued heatwave alters for Odisha and West Bengal, categorising them under a ‘red alert’, while Bihar and Jharkhand fall under an ‘orange alert’, and eastern Uttar Pradesh and northern parts of Kerala under a ‘yellow alert’. The weather department comes amidst severe heatwave conditions prevailing in various states across India.
Soms Sen Roy, a senior scientist at IMD, told ANI, “Severe heatwave conditions are also being faced in Odisha, especially in North Odisha, although not like in West Bengal but severe enough for many days and hence a red alert has been issued for this part too”.
'Red Alert' For Bengal, Odisha As Heatwave Continues To Torture
West Bengal saw Panagarh in Paschim Bardhman district record highest temperature on Saturday at 44.6 degrees Celcius, with Kolkata registering a maximum temperature of 41.1 degrees Celcius. Similarly, Odisha experienced scorching temperatures, with Angul reaching 44.7, and Bhubaneswar touching 44.6, surpassing the 44-degree mark for the first time this season.
“Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions very likely to prevail at many places over Gangetic West Bengal; at some places over north Odisha; heat wave conditions in isolated pockets over Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Konkan & Goa, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Kerala & Mahe, Rayalaseema and Interior Karnataka,” the IMD said.
Temperature To Rise In Delhi-NCR In Coming Days
Despite a slight respite for Delhi-NCR residents after Friday’s rainfall, with the maximum temperature dropping to 38 degrees on Saturday, the IMD forecast suggested that the temperatures are likely to rise again, crossing the 40-degree mark by Monday. IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies over the weekend.
Notably, Delhi’s air quality improved slightly, registering an air quality index (AQI) of 163, classified as “moderate”, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
Rain Predicted In These Areas
The IMD further predicted light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms over Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu on Sunday morning. Moreover, regions like north Telangana are expected to experience rainfall and lightning. Northeastern states including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Nagaland may also see light rainfall with thunderstorms.
In Himachal Pradesh, intermittent rains, thunderstorms, and hail affected several areas, with tribal regions experiencing fresh snowfall. The local IMD office issued warnings for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail in the coming days. IMD also urged caution among residents and travellers.
“Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, gusty winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph) & hailstorm very likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Vidarbha and East Madhya Pradesh; with lightning & gusty winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph) at isolated places over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Assam & Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura; with lightning, gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) & hailstorm at isolated places over Uttarakhand; with lightning & gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Marathawada, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Telangana; with lightning at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal and Kerala & Mahe,” the weather department said in its prediction.