Heatwave alert: IMD forecasts severe heat conditions in northwest and central India this week

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that large parts of northwest and central India are likely to face intense to severe heat wave conditions over the coming days, with Delhi among the worst-affected regions.The weather agency said daytime temperatures in isolated parts of the national capital could touch 45 degrees Celsius this week.According to the IMD, Safdarjung, considered Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 41.9°C on Sunday, nearly two degrees above the seasonal average.For May 19, the IMD forecasts mainly clear skies along with heat wave conditions at isolated places in Delhi. Strong surface winds with speeds of 15–25 kmph, occasionally gusting up to 35 kmph, are also expected during the day. Strong surface winds are also expected across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh from May 18 to May 24.IMD issues safety advisory amid heatwaveThe IMD has advised people to take precautions against heat exposure, especially vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic illnesses.The agency said the heat remains tolerable for the general public but may pose moderate health risks to sensitive individuals.The department also urged residents to drink sufficient water frequently, even if they do not feel thirsty, and recommended keeping fire extinguishers at homes and in vehicles.Rainfall, Thunderstorm in parts of Northwest IndiaApart from the heat wave conditions, the IMD has also forecast scattered rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over parts of Northwest India, including Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh in the coming days.In its all-India bulletin, IMD warns that isolated thunderstorms with gusty winds may affect Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh on May 18.Meanwhile, parts of West India, including Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan & Goa, and Marathwada, are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.