Parts of India are facing a severe heatwave as temperatures crossed 46 degrees Celsius last week, breaking past-year records. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue across parts of Central and Northwest India over the next few days. Moreover, the met department has also put states and cities on yellow, orange, and red alert, advising people to stay indoors.
In a press release issued on Monday, the IMD stated that several regions across India are under red, orange and yellow heat alerts, indicating varying degrees of heat-related risk.
Regions Under ‘Red Alert’
Some areas under these regions are expected to face severe heatwave conditions, hence the IMD has put parts of these areas on red alert. The regions include:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Rajasthan
- East Madhya Pradesh
- Vidarbha
Regions Under ‘Orange Alert’
From Rajasthan to Andhra Pradesh, parts of some regions are also placed under “orange alert” amid the ongoing heatwave.
- Rajasthan
- Madhya Pradesh
- Vidarbha
- Chhattisgarh
- Odisha
- Jharkhand
- Telangana
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam
An orange alert is for high temperatures, with the experts warning of an increased likelihood of heat-related illness, especially for people exposed to prolonged heat in heavy outdoor work.
Regions Under ‘Yellow Alert’
A yellow alert has been issued for other areas in India where temperatures are expected to remain above normal, posing moderate health concerns.
- Parts of Chhattisgarh
- Parts of Delhi
- Parts of Madhya Pradesh
- Parts of Rajasthan
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that maximum temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged across several parts of Northwest and Central India until May 28. A gradual drop is expected thereafter, with temperatures likely to fall by 6-8 degrees Celsius over Northwest India and by 2-4 degrees Celsius across Central and East India between May 29 and May 31. Despite the expected relief, heatwave conditions may continue in parts of Rajasthan.
The weather agency has also issued rainfall and severe weather alerts for multiple regions. Northeast India is likely to receive isolated heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next six to seven days, with Assam and Meghalaya expected to witness extremely heavy showers at isolated locations.
Additionally, isolated hailstorms are expected over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and North Interior Karnataka.