Many parts of the country have been witnessing heatwave to severe heatwave conditions for the last many days. Heatwave conditions commenced in March itself over Central, East and Peninsular India. However, North India remained much better throughout April. Delhi-NCR escaped the intense heat in April and now May will also begin on a rainy note.
Temperatures in North India so far have been either normal or below normal. Delhi witnessed a short spell of heatwave conditions on April 16 and 17. On April 16, the Safdarjung observatory sizzled at 42°C, which was not only the highest maximum of the season but also the highest in the last five years. Palam also saw temperatures nearing 45°C for the first time in the season.
As of now, the temperatures have been rising for the last two days. On April 26, the Palam observatory witnessed maximum temperature at 42.2°C and minimum temperature at 24.4°C. The Safdarjung observatory also recorded day maximum at 40.3°C and night temperature at 22.2°C.
West Rajasthan is also heating up now with temperatures rising above 40°C. This trend will continue for another 2 days. Thereafter, a long spell of rain will bring down temperatures. On May 2, Punjab and Rajasthan will start receiving rain and thundershowers. The intensity and spread will increase by the next day and cover the entire Indo-Gangetic plains. Delhi will receive pre-Monsoon showers on May 3 and 4. In fact, the first half of May will not see any heatwave conditions in Delhi and other plains of North India.
Image credit - saharasamay.com
