IMD Issues Heatwave Alert as Early Monsoon Set to Hit Kerala On May 26

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for several states on Tuesday, stating that severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist throughout the plains of northwest and central India this week. 

What did the IMD say?

According to the IMD's forecast, this year's southwest monsoon is expected to arrive on the Kerala coast slightly earlier than scheduled, around May 26. However, department said that this arrival date could vary by up to four days. 

Amidst this news of relief, the IMD has also issued a frightening warning for the plains of North and Central India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, stating that severe heatwaves will continue throughout this week in several states, including Delhi-NCR.

What about the temperature in Delhi?

Residents of Delhi-NCR will have to endure the scorching heat and heat wave for the next few days. According to the IMD, the weather in the capital is expected to remain completely dry and hot between May 18 and 23. During this period, the maximum temperature may rise from 42 to 45 degree Celsius. 

The department has also issued a 'yellow alert' of heat wave in Delhi especially for May 19 and 20. During this period, scorching strong and hot winds will blow at a speed of 10 to 30 kilometers per hour in the plains, due to which people may have to face a lot of trouble.

Heavy rain alert in 12 districts of Kerala

Pre-monsoon activities have gained momentum even before the formal arrival of monsoon in Kerala. Heavy rains accompanied by lightning and strong winds have already started in many parts of the state. On Monday, IMD has issued an 'orange alert' for two districts of Kerala (Kannur and Kasaragod) where extremely heavy rains of 11 cm to 20 cm are likely. Apart from this, 'yellow alert' (6 cm to 11 cm rain) has been issued in the remaining 10 districts of the state except Thrissur and Palakkad. Yellow alert will remain in place in 9 districts for Tuesday as well.

Heavy rains in the Northeast, severe heatwave in North India

According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall will occur in Northeast India (Northeast), Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 6-7 days. Along with this, heavy rains will also occur in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Lakshadweep and South Interior Karnataka for the next three days. But on the contrary, the scorching sun and severe heatwave will make people miserable in the plains of Northwest and Central India (Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh) throughout this week.