Weather Update: IMD Issues Heatwave Alert For Multiple States Till April 20, Light Rain Likely In These States

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for several states until April 20, cautioning residents about high temperatures expected throughout the week. While some states are bracing for heatwave conditions, the weather department has also issued warnings for rainfall and thunderstorms in multiple northern states.

According to the latest forecast, IMD has predicted heatwave conditions in parts of Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Konkan, Saurashtra and Kutch, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, and Telangana over the next five days.

IMD has advised people to take precautions against heat exposure, such as wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose cotton clothes, covering their heads, and using a cloth, hat, or umbrella. Heatwave conditions are considered to occur when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more for plains and at least 30 degrees Celsius or more for hilly regions.

The weather department has also warned of heatwave conditions in isolated pockets of Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal during April 16-20; north Konkan, Saurashtra and Kutch during Tuesday-Wednesday; coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on Wednesday-Thursday and Telangana during Tuesday-Thursday.

Also, a heatwave warning has been issued by the MeT for southern districts of West Bengal until April 20, with day temperatures expected to rise above 40 degrees Celsius in the region. The affected districts include South and North 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Purulia, Jhargram, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Bankura.

IMD Rainfall Predictions

While some southern and eastern states are experiencing heatwave conditions, northern states are expected to receive relief from the high temperatures with a new spell of rain.

IMD has predicted isolated to scattered rains accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over states like Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan from April 18-20. Delhi and other NCR cities are expected to experience cloudy skies and cool winds on April 17.

Meanwhile, RWFC Delhi has forecasted a partly cloudy sky and strong surface winds for the national capital on April 18 (Thursday), with a possibility of very light rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds on April 19.