Severe heatwave to prevail over north India, no respite in sight: IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that severe heatwave conditions will prevail over northwest, central and adjoining peninsular India over the next couple of days. Most of north India is reeling under the intense heatwave with maximum temperature crossing 50 degree Celsius in Rajasthan’s Churu, where a farmer was also killed due to sunstroke.

On Saturday too, Churu, in the western part of the desert state, was the hottest place in the country at 50.8 degrees Celsius. Several other places in the state also recorded maximum temperatures appreciably above the 40-degree mark.

Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Kota and Barmer recorded a high of 48.6 degrees, 48.1 degrees, 47.8 degrees, 47.5 degrees and 47.2 degrees Celsius, respectively, the MeT department said.

Delhi, which seethed at 42.5 degrees Celsius, two notches above the season's average, might get temporary relief from the scorching heat as the weatherman has forecast "thundery developments" Sunday night.

Heatwave conditions prevailed at several places in Uttar Pradesh Sunday with Banda being the hottest place in the state at 47.4 degrees Celsius.

The IMD said that while severity of the heatwave is very likely to decrease over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, severe heatwave conditions are likely to prevail over Northwest, Central and adjoining Peninsular India, over the next two days.

If the maximum temperature of a weather station in the plains crosses 45 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days, it is termed heatwave. And if the temperature breaches 47 degrees Celsius for two days, it is termed severe heatwave.

(With inputs from agencies)