IMD predicts heatwave for Punjab, UP this week

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Northeast India along with heatwave conditions in Punjab, West Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh this week.

Punjab is likely to experience heatwave conditions on May 16 and 17, while west Rajasthan will face similar weather from May 15 to 19. Uttar Pradesh is expected to witness heatwave conditions between May 16 and 18, and Bihar on May 16. Meanwhile, parts of Northeast India will receive heavy rainfall until May 18.

The southwest monsoon has advanced to parts of the south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Islands and Andaman Sea. The IMD has indicated that conditions are favourable for further monsoon progression into the remaining areas of the Andaman Islands, the Andaman Sea and parts of the central Bay of Bengal over the next three-four days. By the end of the month, the monsoon is expected to reach Kerala, which will determine its spread across India.

The IMD explained the cause of the thick dust haze that covered Delhi-NCR from the night of May 14 to the morning of May 15. A strong north-south pressure gradient over Northwest India led to surface winds of 30-40 kmph, lifting dust from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and north Rajasthan. These winds carried dust from west Rajasthan to Delhi-NCR, passing through north Rajasthan, south Punjab and south Haryana, significantly reducing visibility. The IGI Airport in Delhi recorded visibility as low as 1,200 metres intermittently during this period.