The weather office said no significant change in maximum temperatures is expected across northwest and central India till May 28, although a gradual fall of 3-5 degrees Celsius is likely from May 29 onwards in some regions, bringing slight relief by the end of the week.
Brahmapuri in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region recorded the highest maximum temperature in the country at 47.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while temperatures remained appreciably to markedly above normal across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Delhi.
Heatwave conditions likely to persist
Uttar Pradesh is also expected to continue reeling under intense heat till May 28, with severe heatwave conditions likely over eastern parts of the state on May 25 and 26.
Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha are also likely to witness severe heatwave conditions through much of the week, while Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and Telangana may also experience heatwave conditions over the next few days.
Warm night conditions are expected to prevail in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Vidarbha on Monday.
Rain, thunderstorms likely in several regions
While northern and central India continue to reel under extreme heat, several parts of northeast and south India are expected to receive rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
Assam and Meghalaya are likely to witness rainfall activity on Monday, while heavy rainfall is expected over Arunachal Pradesh till Tuesday.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kerala has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and squally weather on Monday.
Delhi weather forecast
Delhi is likely to witness continued hot weather on Monday, however the IMD has forecast the possibility of very light rain or drizzle in some areas later in the day.
Maximum temperatures in the national capital are expected to remain above normal over the next few days, though a gradual dip is likely towards the end of the week.
On Monday, the maximum temperature is expected to hover between 43 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle between 29 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.
Health impacts of heatwave
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps.
Heat stroke can occur when body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius and may become life-threatening if not treated immediately.
People are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours, wear light clothing and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
