"IMD Issues Warning: Severe Heatwave to Grip Rajasthan, Delhi, and UP Through May 19"

IMD Warns of Severe Heatwave Conditions in Northwest India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning predicting that temperatures will soar between 46°C and 48°C in large parts of Northwest India, particularly in Rajasthan, until May 19. The extreme heatwave conditions are a result of a cyclonic circulation trapping warm air in the region.

IMD has forecast severe heatwave conditions in East and West Rajasthan as well as Uttar Pradesh until Friday. Additionally, Western Madhya Pradesh is likely to experience heatwave conditions until May 17, while Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi are expected to face similar conditions between May 17 and 19.

Central India is also bracing for another heatwave spell, with Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and parts of Vidarbha, Central Maharashtra, and Marathwada expected to remain under heatwave conditions until May 19. Meanwhile, Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat may continue to face extreme heat until Thursday.

According to the Met department, maximum temperatures are set to rise gradually by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius, remaining between 46-48 degrees Celsius until May 19.

An IMD official explained that an upper air cyclonic circulation over Northwest Uttar Pradesh and Southwest Madhya Pradesh, along with air subsidence, is leading to warm air being trapped in the region. This phenomenon is causing nighttime temperatures to be warmer than usual.

On Tuesday, Barmer in West Rajasthan recorded a scorching 48.3 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest place in the country. The city's previous highest-ever May temperature of 49.9 degrees Celsius was recorded on May 27, 2024.

IMD also noted that the Southwest Monsoon is likely to advance into the Andaman Sea and southern Bay of Bengal around May 16, almost six days earlier than its normal onset date of May 21. Favorable conditions are developing for the monsoon's advance over parts of the South Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and Andaman and Nicobar islands by May 16.

Meanwhile, a low-pressure area over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area on Wednesday.

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