Extreme Heat Wave Conditions Over Many Parts Of Country: No Relief Likely
Representational Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways:
- Heat wave intensity and spread have increased significantly over the last few days.
- Several regions across India are witnessing temperatures above 45°C and severe heat conditions.
- Possible weather activity over the Arabian Sea may delay monsoon progression and prolong heat stress.
- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, East Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha and Telangana remain the worst affected regions.
The intensity and spread of the heat wave have increased manyfold over the last 2–3 days. Fresh pockets have emerged with temperatures in excess of 45°C, the threshold mark for heat wave conditions. Temperatures have soared sharply over several regions, pushing them into severe heat wave conditions. The ongoing week between 18 and 24 May is likely to be the most extreme heat period of this season.
The lack of weather activity over the mountains and the pause in pre-monsoon thunderstorm and dust storm activity over the preferred zones are the primary reasons behind the soaring temperatures. The prevailing weather systems and wind patterns over the Indian Seas on both sides of the coastline are also not conducive to easing the heat stress. The weather system that had formed earlier over the Bay of Bengal has exited the Indian region rather quickly. Meanwhile, the Arabian Sea continues to have a ridge of high pressure over its central parts, restricting cross-equatorial flow.
Latest weather models indicate the possible formation of a fresh weather system deep over the South and West-Central Arabian Sea. Confirmation of this feature will require another 36 hours. If this system develops, it may do more harm than good to the prevailing weather pattern. Forming close to the timeline of monsoon onset and moving towards the Somalia-Yemen coast, the system could drag the monsoon stream away from the Indian mainland. Restoration to normal conditions would then become a time-consuming process, potentially prolonging the ongoing heat wave spell over large parts of the country.
The states most impacted by severe heat wave conditions include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, East Uttar Pradesh, Bundelkhand in Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Telangana. During this season, the mercury has already breached the 48°C mark at Barmer in Rajasthan and Banda in Uttar Pradesh. Other among the hottest locations include Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, Phalodi and Churu in Rajasthan, Amravati and Akola in Vidarbha, Prayagraj and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, along with Delhi. Temperatures are expected to remain above the heat wave threshold of 45°C across West, North and Central India over the next few days.
