Heatwave conditions are persisting in northwest, central, and east India, with some respite expected over the next two days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Maximum temperatures are unlikely to change significantly in northwest India during this period, with a potential drop of 2-3°C thereafter. Similar conditions are predicted for west India, where temperatures may also fall by 2-3°C in the coming days. No significant changes in maximum temperatures are anticipated for the rest of the country.
On Saturday, heatwaves persisted in parts of Punjab, northwest Rajasthan, north Madhya Pradesh, and isolated pockets of south Haryana, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, west Jharkhand, central Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Vidarbha. Severe heatwaves have been scorching Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Rajasthan since May 17, and Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh since May 18, with temperatures averaging 45-47°C. Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest temperature on Saturday at 46.9°C.
Two recent incidents in Delhi and Nagpur, where temperatures of 52.9°C and 56°C were recorded, respectively, have been attributed to possible sensor errors in extreme heat conditions by the IMD.
The intense heat has also triggered forest fires, including in Gurugram’s Aravali and Jammu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the need for proper fire prevention drills and regular safety audits in hospitals and other public places. He has also stressed the importance of maintaining fire lines in forests and utilizing biomass effectively.
Regarding monsoon activity, the IMD has announced that the southwest monsoon has progressed into additional parts of the central Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh, the southwest Bay of Bengal, and the central and northwest Bay of Bengal. Conditions are favorable for its further advance into the central Arabian Sea, Karnataka, Rayalaseema, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of the Bay of Bengal over the next two to three days.
The southwest monsoon’s arrival in Kerala on Thursday, a day ahead of its usual schedule, was attributed to Cyclone Remal in the Bay of Bengal. This monsoon is crucial for India’s agriculture sector, with farms heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall. Normal rainfall contributes to robust crop production, stabilizes food prices, and supports economic growth. June and July are critical months for agriculture, as most kharif crop sowing occurs during this period.
Scientists are closely monitoring the current El Niño conditions, which typically lead to weaker monsoon winds and drier conditions. However, the potential development of La Niña by August-September could result in abundant rainfall during the monsoon season.
The IMD has also issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall over Assam and Meghalaya until Thursday. Heavy rain is also expected in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura during the coming days.
