IMD predicts heat wave, issues orange alert for Northwest plains

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 23

The IMD has predicted heat wave to severe heat wave conditions over the plains of the Northwest, Central and adjoining Peninsular India for the next five days and intense rainfall activity over Northeast between May 25 and May 27.

Issuing an orange alert for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, and Rajasthan from tomorrow, the weather office today said dry northwesterly winds prevailing over Northwest and Central India since past two days are expected to continue to prevail over the next four to five days.

Under its influence, heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are expected over plains of Northwest and adjoining Central India. Rainfall activity has significantly reduced over south Peninsular India, giving rise to development of heat wave conditions over parts of the region as well, it said

Meanwhile, under the influence of converging strong southwesterly winds from the Bay of Bengal, Northeast will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls between May 25 and 27.

Heat wave conditions have been observed over West Rajasthan and in isolated pockets over Haryana, Delhi, East Rajasthan and Vidarbha since two days. Drawing all moisture towards it, Super Cyclone Amphan also impacted the weather over Northwest in a way. The prevailing hot and dry weather in the region is also due to the absence of easterly winds which were all drawn towards the cyclone that wreaked havoc over North Odisha and Bengal on May 20

The highest maximum temperature of 46.6°C was reported at Churu (West Rajasthan).  

Meanwhile, parts of Northeast India have been experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall since past two days, it said, issuing a red alert specifically for Assam and Meghalaya on May 26 and 27.

Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a place reaches at least 40°C or more in plains, 37°C or more in coastal regions and 30°C or more for Hilly parts Heat wave is a departure from normal between 4.5°C to 6.4°C while severe heat wave is when it is > (more than) 6.4°C

In plains, heat wave is when actual maximum temperature ≥ (more or equal to) 45°C and severe heat wave when it is ≥47°C. To declare heat wave, the criteria needs to be met at least in two stations in a meteorological subdivision for at least two consecutive days, says the IMD.

An orange alert means ‘be prepared’, in this case for severe heat wave conditions for more than two days or heat wave for four days or more. It means high health concerns for the vulnerable sections, infants, elderly and persons with chronic illness and a warning to avoid exposure to heat, keep cool and hydrated.