The regions in Northwest India battled extreme cases of heatwaves for a second consecutive day on May 18 as the mercury bounced over 45 degrees Celsius in several places. Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are among the states that faced scorching heat.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the areas northwest India will be experiencing this burning heat for the coming few days. During this period, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are likely to see the worst cases having maximum impact. 

Delhi, Haryana in ‘red’, Rajasthan, Bihar get ‘orange’ alert

The Met Office has issued a “red” warning for Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and western Rajasthan, highlighting the urgent need for “extreme care for vulnerable people.” 

Besides this, an “orange” alert has been sounded for eastern Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, emphasising a “high health concern” for vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. 

In at least 20 locations across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, maximum temperatures have soared to 45 degrees Celsius or higher.

Earlier, the IMD had warned of extreme heat in India during the April-June period.

Heat reaches Jammu, Kashmir enjoys pleasant weather

The average temperature in J&K crossed 41 degree Celsius on Saturday. The maximum temperature settled at 41.6 degrees Celsius, over three notches above the season’s average.

Jammu has been enduring heat wave conditions for the past week, with the maximum temperature in the city surpassing the 40-degree Celsius mark for the first time this season on May 16.

Meanwhile, the Kashmir Valley has been experiencing pleasant weather despite temperatures being a few degrees above normal over the past few days. Srinagar, on Saturday, recorded a high of 29.4 degrees Celsius and a low of 14.5 degrees Celsius. These temperatures were 4.2 and 3.1 degrees above the normal levels, respectively, according to official reports.

Delhi’s maximum temperature

In the coming days, the maximum temperature Delhi is expected to witness is 45 degree Celsius, with the minimum temperature staying above 27 degrees.

Yesterday, May 18, Delhi recorded its hottest day of the season so far, with temperatures reaching 43.7 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has issued a ‘red alert,’ predicting severe heat in many parts of the city over the next two days.

Southern India to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall

As North India continues to be in the grips of heatwave, the Southern regions are expected to continue witnessing heavy to very heavy rainfall, the IMD said.

Isolated heavy rainfall is very likely over Coastal Karnataka from May 19 to 22, the IMD said. South Interior Karnataka is expected to experience similar conditions from May 21 to 22, it added. 

Meanwhile, Lakshadweep will likely see isolated heavy rainfall between May 19 and 21.

Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe on May 22. South Interior Karnataka will likely have the same weather between May 19 and May 20. 

Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also very likely over Tamil Nadu and Kerala from May 19 to 21.