IMD issues heatwave warning in 6 states; heavy to very heavy rainfall in 3 states

NEW DELHI: The Indian Meteorological Department issued a warning on Friday about a possible heatwave in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar that is expected to last for at least four days. Additionally, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and southern Karnataka.
The weather agency also reported that temperatures had reached as high as 45 degrees Celsius in several locations throughout the country during May.
Speaking to ANI, Senior IMD scientist Dr Naresh Kumar said, "..From April till the last few days, continuous western disturbances were influencing Northwest India, due to which parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand experienced isolated rainfall. As a result, the temperatures were not very high. In May, the temperature reached 45 degrees Celsius in many places. Even today, the temperature has already reached 45 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan."
"In Punjab and Haryana, the temperature is also near 44 degrees Celsius and the conditions of the heatwave are similar to those in Uttar Pradesh...A heatwave is likely in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for the next 5 days and in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar for 4 days, after which there may be mild thunderstorms, due to which the temperature may drop slightly...," Kumar added.
Similarly, for the southern states, he stated, "Heavy to very heavy rains are likely in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and South Karnataka in the next 5 days..."
The Meteorological department, in its weather advisory, has forecasted that there will be heat to severe heat wave conditions in the plains of Northwest India and Bihar for the next 5 days. Additionally, heat wave conditions are expected to start in East and Central India from May 18.
The Meteorological department has stated further that there will be a wet spell with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall expected to persist over south Peninsular India until May 23.
(With inputs from agencies)