IMD predicts heatwave in northwest India, rain and thunderstorms in Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand; check full forecast

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• May 15, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

The recent onslaught of severe weather has already wreaked havoc in Gujarat and Mumbai, where strong winds and heavy showers disrupted daily life...

Digital Desk: As scorching temperatures continue across various regions in India, sporadic showers and thunderstorms offer temporary relief while causing disruptions to daily life, particularly in transportation. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning of an impending heatwave set to grip Northwest India from May 16 onwards.

According to the latest forecasts by the IMD, the impending heatwave will predominantly affect several states:

- West Rajasthan: May 15 to 18

- West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, East Rajasthan, and South Haryana: May 16 to 18

- East Uttar Pradesh: May 16 and 17

- Northwest Madhya Pradesh and Bihar: May 17 and 18

Moreover, Saurashtra and Kutch regions will continue to experience hot and humid weather conditions over the next five days.

While the northern regions brace for extreme heat, South peninsular India anticipates heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until May 17. The onset of the southwest monsoon is expected to alleviate some of the heat, advancing into the South Andaman Sea, parts of the Southeast Bay of Bengal, and the Nicobar Islands around May 19.

However, the situation remains dire in the northern plains, including Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi/NCR, where temperatures are set to peak between May 17 and 19. The mercury is expected to soar, potentially reaching 44°C in many areas, prompting concerns about 'loo' conditions. Cities like Amritsar, Jalandhar, Bathinda, and Delhi are likely to be severely impacted, with temperatures possibly exceeding 45°C.

The IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra until May 18. Gujarat, Bihar, and Jharkhand are also expected to witness similar weather conditions.

The recent onslaught of severe weather has already wreaked havoc in Gujarat and Mumbai, where strong winds and heavy showers disrupted daily life, causing waterlogging, traffic jams, and transportation delays. Consequently, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, cautioning residents to prepare for further heavy rainfall and strong winds in the coming days.

As adverse weather conditions persist, authorities urge citizens to stay indoors and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. In the face of another bout of extreme weather, staying informed and v