Weather update: 'Above normal' temp in most of India; light rain in Delhi

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that most parts of the country is expected to experience above-normal maximum temperatures from April to June. Most parts of central, east and northwest India will witness a rise in temperature during this period, it added.

"States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana are likely to see a significantly higher temperature this year," said IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mahapatra on Wednesday.

"India is witnessing a harsh summer this year and the temperature is likely to rise between April and June. Most parts of the country is expected to experience above-normal maximum temperatures, except for south peninsular India and some parts of Northwest India where normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are likely," Mahapatra added.

Delhi

According to the IMD, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 22.5 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal on Tuesday. The mercury is expected to hover around 41 degrees Celsius. However, cloudy weather and light rain may provide some relief from the heat for Delhiites on Wednesday.

West Bengal

Severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist in isolated pockets in Gangetic West Bengal on April 19 and 20. While, most Bengal districts sizzled under heatwave conditions, Bankura recorded the highest temperature of the day at 44.1 degrees Celsius, while the mercury rose to 43.4 degree C at Panagarh Air Force station in West Bardhaman district.

Following the IMD alert, the West Bengal government has directed officials to keep an eye on the heatwave situation to ensure there is no shortage of drinking water.

Jharkhand

In view of an intense heatwave in Jharkhand, students from Kindergarten to Class 5 will attend schools from 7 am to 11 am, while senior pupils will continue classes till noon, an order issued by the State Education Department stated.

According to IMD forecast, districts like Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Chatra, Godda, Sahibganj, Dumka, Pakur, East Singhbhum, Saraikela-Kharswan and West Singhbhum are likely to witness a rise in temperatures in coming days.

Odisha

Several districts in Odisha recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, with Baripada and Jharsuguda boiling at 44.2 degrees Celsius. The authorities have shut all schools and Anganwadi centres in Odisha till April 20.

Meghalaya

Meghalaya government has ordered that schools be closed for three days from Wednesday (April 19-21) due to soaring temperatures.

Bengaluru

Country's IT hub Bengaluru saw the highest maximum temperature recorded in 2023 so far as the mercury levels rose to 36.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, according to a Deccan Herald report.

Himachal Pradesh

As for Himachal Pradesh, the IMD has issued a 'yellow' warning of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places on April 20 and 21.