Delhi: A prolonged spell of scorching weather is expected to grip large parts of North India this week, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a heatwave warning for several states, including the national capital, where temperatures may climb to 44 degrees Celsius.
According to the latest forecast, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across northwestern and central regions until May 23, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Vidarbha are expected to remain under intense heat stress over the coming days.
Weather experts said daytime temperatures are likely to rise by three to five degrees across many parts of northwest India until May 21, after which conditions are expected to remain largely unchanged for the next two days.
Delhi is expected to remain among the worst-hit areas, with mercury levels hovering near the 44-degree mark. Similar conditions are likely across neighbouring parts of Haryana and Rajasthan, where several locations have already reported extreme temperatures.
On Sunday, many parts of central India and adjoining northern peninsular regions recorded temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius, adding to concerns over prolonged exposure and health risks.
The weather office has advised children, senior citizens and people with pre-existing medical conditions to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours.
Authorities have also urged residents to remain hydrated, wear light clothing and reduce physical exertion during the hottest part of the day.
While heatwave conditions dominate much of northern India, some hill states may receive scattered rainfall and thunderstorms later this week.
Jammu and Kashmir could witness isolated showers on May 19 and 20, while Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by gusty winds and lightning between May 19 and May 23.
The northeastern region is also expected to receive widespread rainfall, with isolated heavy showers likely in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.
Meteorologists say these contrasting weather patterns reflect strong regional variations, but warned that for much of North India, relief from the heat remains unlikely in the immediate future.
