The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a two-day severe heatwave warning for the Delhi-NCR region, with the maximum temperature likely to touch 45 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. However, residents may get relief from the intense heat later this week as thunderstorms and rain are expected from May 29 onwards.
According to the Met Department, the maximum temperature on Wednesday is expected to hover around 45 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may remain close to 28 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a heatwave warning and said strong surface winds are likely during the afternoon and evening hours. Humidity levels are expected to range between 25 per cent and 40 per cent.
The department warned that the heatwave conditions could be accompanied by hot and strong winds, particularly during the afternoon and evening. People have been advised to avoid going outdoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and take precautions against direct exposure to sunlight.
Weather conditions are, however, expected to begin changing from May 28.
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by rain for May 28, with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 43 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature around 29 degrees Celsius. Light to very light rainfall is expected during the afternoon and evening, along with strong winds and squalls reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour.
A significant drop in temperature is expected on May 29. The maximum temperature may fall sharply to around 36 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain near 26 degrees Celsius.
The Met Department has also issued an alert for thunderstorms and rain on May 29. Light rainfall is likely during the afternoon and evening hours, accompanied by strong winds blowing at speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. Lightning and squalls are also likely.
Thunderstorms and rain are expected to continue on May 30 and 31. During this period, maximum temperatures are likely to hover between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may range from 25 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Although no specific warning has been issued for these two days, the IMD said partly to generally cloudy skies and light rainfall are likely to persist.
From June 1 onwards, weather conditions are expected to return to near-normal levels. The maximum temperature may rise to around 37 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain near 27 degrees Celsius. The day is expected to witness partly cloudy skies, with no major weather warning issued.
Weather experts noted that strong winds, dust storms, thunderstorms, lightning and rain witnessed across North, Central and East India during the final days of May are part of the ongoing pre-monsoon activity.
The rainfall expected around May 29 is being classified as pre-monsoon rain, which is likely to bring significant relief to residents from the prevailing scorching heat.
(With IANS inputs)
