India Faces Longer Heatwave Days in Northwest Region This Summer
IMD’s Heatwave Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates nearly twice the usual number of heatwave days in northwestern India during the summer season, as stated by ANI on Wednesday.
Typical and Projected Heatwave Patterns
- Typically, the region undergoes 5-6 days of heatwave.
- This season, IMD foresees 10-12 days of heatwave.
- Not all summer days will have above-normal temperatures.
National Heatwave Calculation
IMD computes total heatwave days by adding such weather conditions in all 36 meteorological sub-divisions. For instance, a heatwave day occurring in five sub-divisions equals five heatwave days.
Recent Temperature Increases
- Delhi’s maximum temperature reached 40.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
- Akola and Chandrapur towns in Maharashtra recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius by 5:30 pm.
- Pune experienced its hottest day of the season at 41.4 degrees Celsius.
- Chittorgarh and Shivpuri, Damoh and Guna in Madhya Pradesh saw temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave Outlook for Western and Central India
IMD predicts “slightly above normal heatwave days” in western and central India this summer, with 5-6 days above normal heatwave days.
Thunderstorm Activity in Peninsular India
There is “quite severe” thunderstorm activity over the western parts of peninsular India, including the southern Konkan region, Goa, south-central Maharashtra, interior and coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Heavy Rainfall and Heatwave Forecast for Eastern India
- Heavy rainfall is expected over Arunachal Pradesh on March 27-28.
- Temperatures are projected to rise in eastern India, with a possible heatwave in Odisha on March 29-30.
India’s Hottest February in 124 Years
Last month was the hottest February India has encountered since 1901, with an increase of 1.3 degrees Celsius in the average temperature, according to IMD.
Predicted Above-Normal Temperatures and Heatwave Days
India is likely to witness above-normal temperatures and more heatwave days between March and May, as per IMD predictions.
