The National Capital Region (NCR), recently experienced a brutal heatwave from May 27th to June 4th. This scorching period followed even more intense heatwave conditions in Rajasthan, which began on May 23rd. Districts like Churu and Phalodi saw temperatures soar past a staggering 50 degrees Celsius. South Sindh in Pakistan also faced similar conditions, with parts of the region exceeding 50 degrees. The culprit behind this intense heat was the continuous flow of hot, dry westerly winds originating from Sindh Balochistan and the Thar desert in Rajasthan. Clear skies with relentless sunshine further amplified the heat.
However, a temporary reprieve arrived with a shift in wind direction. Southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea brought much-needed moisture to northwest India. This resulted in scattered dust storms, thunderstorms, and rainfall across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh. The increase in humidity levels brought a welcome drop in temperatures and the heatwave subsided.
Unfortunately, this period of relief is short-lived. The southwesterly winds are expected to change course and blow from the west once again. This shift will usher in dry weather conditions, leading to a significant rise in temperatures and a potential resurgence of the heatwave, with areas potentially experiencing severe heatwave conditions.
The good news is that the monsoon is advancing across south and central India. However, it may take another 5-6 days for the eastern arm of the monsoon to reach Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana. Relief is expected to arrive around June 15th or 16th, when easterly winds carrying moisture from the Bay of Bengal are predicted to reach these regions. This shift in wind patterns will likely bring isolated rain and thunderstorms, offering some respite from the scorching temperatures.
