As the heatwave conditions continue to persist, there seems to be no respite in the night hours either, as Delhi logged a minimum temperature of 31.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, marking the season’s first “warm night," the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported.
The minimum temperature recorded at Safdarjung, Delhi’s base weather station, was five degrees above normal, making it the warmest night for Delhi in May in the last 14 years. According to IMD data, the warmest night in May was recorded on May 27, 2012, when the minimum temperature was 34.2 degrees Celsius.
The maximum temperature, meanwhile, was 43.6 degrees Celsius, 3.4 degrees Celsius above normal. The maximum peaked at other stations, with Ridge recording 45.3 degrees Celsius, as isolated heatwave conditions continued for a fourth day in a row. IMD extended its “orange” alert for heatwaves by a day, until May 27, on that day.
Escalating Temperatures Across States
UP has been experiencing a heatwave condition for nearly two weeks. In particular, Banda, Jhansi, Agra, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and surrounding districts are setting record maximum temperatures every day.
Prayagraj topped the list at 46.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Varanasi at 45.6 degrees Celsius; Hamirpur at 45.2 degrees Celsius; Sultanpur at 45.2 degrees Celsius; Orai at 45 degrees Celsius; and Agra at 44.8 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department has issued a severe heatwave alert for the next two days.
In Punjab's Faridkot, the temperature was recorded at around 45.9 degrees Celsius. Dehri Rohtas in Bihar was 44.6 degrees Celsius. A heat wave warning has been issued for Arwal, Bhojpur, Buxar, Aurangabad, Bhabua, and Rohtas. Patna District Magistrate Dr. Tyagarajan SM has completely suspended all educational activities in all public and private schools up to the fifth grade.
Temperature in several areas of Jharkhand was recorded at around 44 degrees Celsius. The Jharkhand Health Department has directed all civil surgeons and health officials to ensure that emergency medical facilities in hospitals are fully operational.
Yellow Alert Issued In Uttarakhand
According to the IMD, a yellow alert has been issued for lightning and strong winds of up to 50 km/h in some parts of Uttarkashi, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts, including Dehradun, on May 22. Furthermore, a drop of two to four degrees in maximum temperatures across the state is predicted over the next three days.
Contrasting Weather Patterns In West Bengal
The heat wave is likely to continue in the Gangetic South Bengal districts like Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly. The maximum temperature in Kolkata may reach 35 to 36 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature may also be around 28 degrees Celsius. The humidity level in the air may reach 70 to 85 percent on this day. Although there is a possibility of light rain this afternoon.
Unlike South Bengal, North Bengal is getting drenched in rain. There is a possibility of heavy rainfall in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar in the north. These districts may receive rainfall ranging from 7 to 20 centimeters. The Meteorological Office has predicted that the rainfall will continue till next Tuesday.