North likely to get respite from heat today

After a prolonged spell of intense heat, parts of northwest and central India are likely to get temporary relief as a western disturbance is set to bring down temperatures by 3–5°C from April 11, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Light rainfall is expected in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand between April 10 and 12. States including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, and Sikkim are forecast to experience thundersqualls over the next three days.

Delhi, which recorded over 40°C on April 9, will remain free of heatwave conditions from April 11 to 16.

However, a fresh heatwave spell is predicted to hit West and East Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab around April 14–16.

On April 10, Nadurbar in Maharashtra recorded the highest temperature in the country at 46.5°C.

From April 17 to 23, East India is expected to witness moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning. During this period, maximum temperatures are likely to be 1–3°C above normal across many parts of northwest and East India, as well as Gujarat.

“There is a low to moderate probability of heatwave conditions in isolated areas of Rajasthan, south Haryana, south Punjab, north Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh during this week,” the IMD noted.

On April 10, isolated hailstorms were reported in East Uttar Pradesh, South Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.

“Heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded at isolated places over Bihar and heavy rainfall over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim.

Thunderstorms and gusty winds affected several parts of the country, including Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, HP, Haryana, Rajasthan, the northeastern states, and coastal regions like Kerala, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.