IMD forecasts heatwave relief in North India over next 3 days, warns of thunderstorms and strong winds

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a major in weather conditions across Northwest India, with heatwave conditions likely to ease over the next three days due to the impact of western disturbances and easterly winds and incoming easterly winds. The weather agency has also issued warnings for thunderstorms, strong winds and hailstorms in several states.According to the IMD, maximum temperatures, which have remained around 45 degrees Celsius or above in many parts of North India, are expected to fall significantly between May 28 and May 30, bringing relief from the intense heatwave conditions.Speaking on Thursday, IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava said, "If we look at Northwest India, maximum temperatures have primarily been running high, hovering at 45 degrees Celsius or above. Our forecast indicates that over the coming three days, under the influence of a Western Disturbance and the simultaneous arrival of easterly winds over the plains of Northwest India, thunderstorm activity is expected across the Western Himalayan region as well as the adjacent plains."Srivastava added that a sharp decline in temperatures is expected during this period."Consequently, a drop in maximum temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees Celsius and in some isolated pockets, up to 10 degrees Celsius is anticipated between the 28th May and the 30th May. As a result, significant relief is expected from the prevailing heatwave conditions across regions such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh," he added.However, the IMD also warned of intense weather activity, including strong winds and thunderstorms across several regions."Wind speeds in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and surrounding areas could be quite high, ranging from 60 to 70 kilometres per hour, potentially reaching up to 80 kilometres per hour," Srivastava said.He further warned that some parts of Uttar Pradesh may experience even stronger winds."In certain parts of Uttar Pradesh, wind speeds could range from 80 to 90 kilometres per hour, occasionally even touching 100 kilometres per hour. Warnings for hailstorms have been issued for the western regions, specifically covering Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh," he added, advising people to exercise caution.(With ANI inputs)