Relief from the intense heatwave is on the horizon for northwestern and central parts of India, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD announced that a fresh western disturbance is expected to bring relief from the scorching temperatures after three days.
IMD Chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra highlighted that the incoming western disturbance, coupled with moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea, is likely to alleviate the heatwave conditions. Thunderstorm activity is anticipated in northwest India, with rainfall expected in the western Himalayan region.
Mohapatra further mentioned that June is expected to see normal to above-normal minimum temperatures across most parts of the country. Rajasthan and Gujarat experienced nine to 12 heatwave days, with temperatures soaring between 45-50 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Delhi, south Haryana, southwest Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab recorded five-seven heatwave days, with maximum temperatures ranging from 44 to 48 degrees Celsius.
The IMD's monsoon forecast predicts above-average rainfall for central India in 2024, with the entire country expected to receive above-average rains this season. While below-normal monsoon rainfall is forecasted for northeast India, northwest India is expected to witness normal rainfall, and above-normal rainfall is anticipated in central and south peninsular India.
The late May heatwave in northwest and parts of central India was attributed to various factors, including insufficient rainfall, intensified dry and warm winds, and an anti-cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan and nearby Gujarat.
In anticipation of extreme weather conditions, IMD issued alerts across various regions of the country. Rajasthan was forecasted to experience heatwave to severe heatwave conditions from May 26 to May 28, with high temperatures expected in most parts of the state. Similar conditions were predicted for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh, with a gradual reduction in intensity forecasted after May 28.
