Heatwave in India normally starts from the latter part of April. However, this year oppressive heat was witnessed in most parts of the country quite early. All thanks to the prevailing El Nino, which have been termed as the strongest on record.
This time around, pre-Monsoon rain and thundershower activities have been absent. We’ve had absolutely no rain in North, East and Central India. Rainfall has been confined to the hills of North India and the Northeastern states. Clear sky and continuous dry weather led to rise in temperatures over these regions.
Heatwave in North India
Telangana, Vidarbha and adjoining areas are the hottest pockets of the country. Hot and humid southeasterly winds coming from these areas were responsible for rising temperatures in plains of North India including Delhi, right in the beginning of April. Thereafter, northwesterly winds coming from Jammu and Kashmir brought some relief.
However, now rainfall has reduced in Northern hills and the winds are not that cool. Since last 2 to 3 days, winds have started coming from Southwest and West (Central Pakistan and Rajasthan) where temperatures are already high. These hot and dry winds are leading to rise in the mercury levels once again.
Heatwave in East and Central India
West Bengal, Odisha and other eastern states have hardly received any pre-Monsoon rain and thundershowers. Thus, these regions have been witnessing relentless heatwave the entire month of April so far. Titlagarh in Odisha is the hottest city in the country at present with maximum settling at 46.3°C on Sunday.
Here’s a look at the temperatures in rest of Odisha recorded on April 17:
West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, parts of Jharkhand, East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha will continue to witness heatwave conditions for now. However, we can see a good cyclonic circulation developing over East India. In the first week of May, pre-Monsoon showers will start affecting the region.
On and off rain and thundershowers will cool down East India in the month of May. Temperatures will be above normal throughout the month and occasionally we could see some relief.
Image credit- channelnewsasia.com
