Uttar Pradesh is set to experience a significant heatwave, with temperatures predicted to soar close to 45 degrees Celsius in several districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for parts of southern Uttar Pradesh, warning of severe heatwave conditions from May 19 to May 22. This comes after a period of severe storms, rain, and gusty winds that recently caused widespread destruction and fatalities across the state.
Intensifying Heatwave Conditions
Officials at the IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Lucknow attribute the impending heatwave to the absence of any active weather systems over the region, which is expected to keep conditions largely dry for the next four to five days. This dry spell will allow temperatures to climb sharply, with an anticipated rise of another 2 to 4 degrees Celsius due to increased radiational heating under clear skies. A fresh spell of heatwave conditions is expected to commence in southern Uttar Pradesh and gradually intensify in both area and severity. Some districts in the southern part of the state may experience severe heatwave conditions.
The IMD had previously predicted heatwave conditions for Uttar Pradesh between May 18 and 19, with temperatures potentially reaching 45°C. Reports indicate that several locations in Uttar Pradesh have already recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Banda was identified as the hottest spot, registering 44.8°C on Saturday, May 16. Other districts such as Prayagraj (44°C), Jhansi (44.1°C), Orai (43.4°C), Hamirpur (43.2°C), and Agra (43°C) also experienced sweltering heat. Major cities like Varanasi and Ghazipur recorded temperatures around 42°C. Lucknow residents were advised to expect temperatures hovering around 41°C on Sunday, with night temperatures dipping to 27°C.
Broader Regional Impact
The heatwave is not isolated to Uttar Pradesh. Similar conditions are affecting other parts of North, Central, and West India. The IMD has warned of intensifying heatwave conditions across these regions, with temperatures expected to reach up to 45°C in some areas. Heatwave conditions are likely to persist over Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh until May 22. Hot and humid conditions are also anticipated in other parts of North and Central India during this period. Specifically, West Rajasthan is expected to face severe heatwave conditions between May 18 and 21, while Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi are under a similar warning from May 17 to May 21.
The IMD is also revising its parameters for declaring heatwave conditions, a move that could help in issuing more effective warnings, particularly for states like Kerala which have experienced significant heat and humidity. This review comes as southern and northeastern states are simultaneously bracing for scattered thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, indicating diverse weather patterns across the country.
Recent Extreme Weather Events
The impending heatwave follows a period of extreme weather that affected Uttar Pradesh. Just days prior, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and lightning strikes in various districts of the state led to at least 111 deaths and injured 72 people. The stark contrast between the recent deadly storms and the current heatwave highlights the volatile weather patterns affecting the region.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy rains in Sikkim and parts of West Bengal, while northwestern states, including Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, are on a yellow alert for heatwave conditions. This duality of weather warnings underscores the complex meteorological situation facing India.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
