Heat Wave Alert: The heat is now becoming severe across the country. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning saying that in the coming days, a severe heat wave is going to hit many parts of North and Central India including Delhi. Due to continuously rising temperatures, crores of people may have to face scorching heat.

According to the Meteorological Department, heat wave conditions may persist in many parts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Konkan-Goa till May 22.

Mercury can reach 45 degrees in Delhi

IMD has said that the temperature of Delhi may increase by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the next three days. There is a possibility of partly cloudy sky, thunderstorms and strong winds at a speed of 20 to 30 kilometers per hour in the capital on Sunday. At some places the wind speed can reach 40 kilometers per hour.

The maximum temperature on Sunday is expected to be around 44 degrees Celsius. After this, as soon as the sky clears, the temperature may reach 45 degrees Celsius in the next week. There is less possibility of getting relief from hot winds even at night.

Temperature will increase rapidly in North and Central India

According to the Meteorological Department, the temperature is increasing rapidly in North and Central India. The temperature in the western Himalayan regions may also increase by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius. Skymet Weather President Mahesh Palawat said that instead of eastern winds, now north-western winds are blowing, which are coming from central Pakistan and Rajasthan. These winds are extremely hot and dry, due to which the temperature will increase further in the coming days and the possibility of heatwave has become stronger.

Heatwave alert will continue in these states

According to IMD, heat wave may continue in Rajasthan from 17 to 23 May. At the same time, heat wave will continue in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi from 18 to 23 May. A severe heatwave warning has been issued in some parts of Uttar Pradesh between May 19 and 23. Apart from this, heatwave conditions may prevail in Telangana from 17th to 21st May. There is a possibility of severe heat in some areas of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh.

Relief from rain in Northeast and South India

While North India will be scorching with scorching heat, there is a possibility of rain and thundershowers in the northeastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Strong winds and light to moderate rain are also expected in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh of South India. Light rain may also occur in some parts of Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. It has rained in Tamil Nadu.

What is heatwave?

According to IMD, when the temperature in an area increases much more than normal, then it is declared a heatwave. In the plains, which includes Delhi, heatwave conditions are considered when the temperature is 40 degrees Celsius or more and is recorded 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above normal.

At the same time, if the temperature reaches more than 6.4 degrees above normal, then it is considered a severe heatwave. Apart from this, if the temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius or more, a heatwave is declared, no matter what the difference is from normal temperature. Experts say that this is not just normal heat but a dangerous situation, which can prove fatal for children, elderly and people working outside.

Be careful about health

Experts have advised people to be cautious. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People have been advised to stay at home or in the shade from 12 noon to 4 pm, drink as much water as possible and wear light cotton clothes. It has been asked to use umbrella, hat or towel while going out. Along with this, an appeal has been made to take special care of the elderly, children and people working outside.