The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning about a severe heatwave expected in several states in North India from May 19 to May 22. Regions like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh-Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh will experience extremely high temperatures between 43°C and 46°C. Such intense heat can cause serious health issues like heatstroke and dehydration, especially for the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.

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Heatwave Conditions in Other States

Heatwave conditions are also forecast for parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha. While these areas may not see temperatures as high as those in the North, they will still be 2-4°C above normal.

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Precautionary Measures

Residents in the affected regions should take steps to protect themselves from the heat. This includes staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, wearing lightweight and light-coloured clothing, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities.

Heavy Rainfall in South India

While the North deals with extreme heat, the South and East of India are expected to face heavy rains and stormy conditions next week. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, and southern Karnataka will likely see widespread light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next six to seven days.

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Specific Rainfall Predictions

Coastal Karnataka: Heavy rainfall is expected from May 19 to May 22.

South Interior Karnataka: Heavy rainfall is expected from May 21 to May 22.

Lakshadweep: Heavy rainfall from May 19 to May 21.

Tamil Nadu: Intense rainfall is expected until May 21.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Light to moderate rainfall over the next week, with isolated heavy rainfall possible over the Nicobar Islands from May 20 to May 22.

Eastern and Northeastern Weather

In the eastern and northeastern regions, scattered to widespread light to moderate rainfall is expected, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura will likely experience similar weather over the next five days. Isolated heavy rainfall is anticipated in Sikkim from May 19 to May 20 and in Arunachal Pradesh on May 19. Assam and Meghalaya may see very heavy rainfall, especially in Meghalaya on May 19 and May 20.

Western Disturbance Effects

A Western Disturbance will cause isolated to scattered light rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh on May 19. Uttarakhand will also see similar weather conditions in the coming week. Additionally, strong surface winds are expected in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan over the next five days.