Weather Update: IMD warns of heatwave in Bengal and Odisha; rain expected to bring relief
PTC News Desk: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised alarm with a ‘red alert’ (heatwave) for Odisha and West Bengal, an ‘orange alert’ for Bihar and Jharkhand, and a ‘yellow alert’ for eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Kerala due to severe heatwave conditions prevailing across several regions.
Forecasters warn that the heatwave could intensify, with temperatures expected to rise further in Bengal and Odisha amid hot and humid conditions.
Soma Sen Roy, a senior scientist at IMD, stated to ANI, “Severe heatwave conditions persist in Odisha, particularly in North Odisha, prompting a red alert for this area.”
High Temperatures Recorded:
Panagarh in Paschim Bardhaman district reported West Bengal’s highest temperature on Saturday at 44.6 degrees Celsius, with Kolkata registering a maximum of 41.1 degrees Celsius. Other areas recording temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius include Medinipur (43.5), Bankura (43.2), Barrackpore (43.2), Bardhaman (43), Asansol (42.5), Purulia (42.7), and Sriniketan (42).
Maximum temperatures reported (≥40°C) at 1730 hrs IST of today, the 27th April 2024: pic.twitter.com/f0S1MK5a0y
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) April 27, 2024
In Odisha, Angul, an industrial town, experienced scorching heat at 44.7 degrees Celsius, while Bhubaneswar, the capital, sizzled at 44.6 degrees Celsius, crossing the 44-degree mark for the first time this season. Additionally, Baripada recorded 44.2 degrees Celsius, while Boudh, Dhenkanal, and Bhawanipatna recorded maximum temperatures of 43.7 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
The IMD anticipates a gradual increase in temperatures by one to two degrees Celsius over the next three days, followed by relatively stable conditions.
Weather in Delhi-NCR:
Following Friday’s rainfall, Delhi-NCR residents experienced some relief from the heat as the maximum temperature dipped from 40.5°C to 38°C on Saturday. IMD forecasts suggest partly cloudy skies over the weekend, with temperatures projected to exceed 40°C by Monday.
Maximum temperatures reported (≥40°C) at 1730 hrs IST of today, the 27th April 2024: pic.twitter.com/f0S1MK5a0y
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) April 27, 2024
Delhi’s air quality saw slight improvement, with an air quality index (AQI) of 163, categorized as “moderate” by the Central Pollution Control Board.
IMD Rain Forecast:
IMD predicts light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu during Sunday morning hours. Similar weather is expected over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, and north Telangana.
Moreover, intermittent rain accompanied by thunderstorms and hail hit several parts of Himachal Pradesh, causing a drop in temperatures. Over 60 roads, including Atal Tunnel-Rohtang Pass, Grmphu-Losar, and Darcha-Sarchu, were closed due to snowfall.
The local IMD office has issued an orange warning for heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds at isolated places on Monday, with a yellow alert for thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds at isolated places on Sunday and Tuesday in Himachal Pradesh.