So much so that the plains of North India have also come under the grip of intense heatwave. While temperatures were high even before, heatwave did remain absent from this particular part of the country.
April began on a scorching note for the North Indian plains, but cool northwesterly winds kept the temperatures under check. Back to back western disturbances affecting the hills of North India also resulted in comparatively better conditions.
However, during the past 24 hours, the intense heatwave has gripped several parts of North India. Areas including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, South Uttar Pradesh have been recording temperatures well above the normal levels.
Maximums are now around 5 to 6 degrees above normal in Delhi. For instance, Palam observatory in Delhi recorded its maximum as 44 degree Celsius on April 17, even Safdarjung observatory observed its maximum as 42 degree Celsius.
Several areas in Punjab and Haryana are also experiencing intense heatwave conditions. While Hisar recorded 43.2°C, and Karnal 42.3°C as its maximum, Patiala and Ludhiana sizzled at 41.5°C. These conditions can be attributed to the absence of pre-Monsoon showers over the region.
Now, southwesterly winds are prevailing over Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and parts of West Uttar Pradesh leading to increase in moisture and clouding. Thus, dust storm and thunderstorm activity with very light to light rain are likely over isolated parts of the Northern Plains.
This may result in short term relief from intense heatwave. But after 48 hours, temperatures will once again witness a rise and heatwave will make a comeback over North India.
Image Credit: yespunjab.com