Heatwave conditions are likely to return across Northwest India, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, starting Thursday and lasting till May 18, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday.
According to the weather agency, heatwave conditions are expected to persist over West Rajasthan from May 15-18, over Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, southern Haryana, and Bihar from May 16-18, and over northern Madhya Pradesh and East Rajasthan on May 17 and 18.
Isolated light to moderate rainfall is very likely over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand from May 17 to 19, the IMD said. This is attributed to a western disturbance affecting the Western Himalayan region starting May 17.
In southern Peninsular India, a wet spell with isolated heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, is expected to persist until May 18.
Moreover, the southwest monsoon is very likely to advance into South Andaman Sea, some parts of Southeast Bay of Bengal and Nicobar Islands around May 19.
In Kerala, the IMD has issued an orange alert in Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts, indicating the possibility of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. Further, a yellow alert has been issued in eight districts of the state.
The State Disaster Management Authority has advised the public to refrain from night travel to hilly regions due to the risk of heavy rainfall. Moreover, individuals residing in downstream areas of rivers are urged to be prepared to relocate to safer locations in case of excess water release from dams, the SDMA said.