The scorching heatwave continues to grip the national capital of Delhi and its surrounding regions. For the first time this season, temperatures have crossed the 42°C mark. The maximum temperature was recorded at 42.4°C, while Aya Nagar saw a high of 42.3°C. The IMD predicts a further rise in temperatures over the next five days.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated the likelihood of heatwaves striking Delhi and several other states this week. Warnings have been issued for Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Chandigarh for potential heatwaves on May 19th. In addition, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha are also expected to experience soaring temperatures and heatwaves.
Rising Temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh
Indeed, Rajasthan's Jaisalmer has reached a sweltering 44°C, Bikaner at 42.6°C, Jodhpur at 42.5°C, and Kota at 42.8°C. Punjab's Amritsar reported 42°C, Patiala at 42.4°C, and Ludhiana at 41.6°C. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior recorded 42.3°C and Khandwa at 41.1°C.
Mercury to Rise in Odisha from Tomorrow
IMD has stated that temperatures in Odisha will begin to climb again from May 16th. Nuapada in Odisha recorded the highest temperature of 44°C on May 14th, with other areas in the state experiencing around 41°C. The Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Center, Manorama Mohanty, mentioned that temperatures would start increasing by 2 to 4°C from May 16th. Thunderstorms, lightning, and rain are expected in parts of the state for the next three days. She added that from May 18th, Odisha will likely experience dry weather conditions.
Delhi's AQI Reaches 'Poor' Category
According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily AQI bulletin, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 243, falling into the 'poor' category. There has been a surge in AQI levels across Delhi-NCR in recent days. A meeting was held today under CAQM's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to consider the current air quality in Delhi-NCR, evaluate IMD's overall air quality forecasts, and technical and expert inputs for the region.
Temperatures Cross 40°C in These Parts of the Country
Source: aajtak
When Will the Monsoon Arrive?
IMD suggests that the southwest monsoon may reach Kerala around May 31st, with a possible deviation of plus or minus four days. Therefore, the onset of monsoon could be expected between May 27th and June 4th, 2024. The usual date for the monsoon's arrival in Kerala is June 1st.
