Second heatwave likely in North, Central and West India after April 3

In Central and Northwest India, the mercury crossed 40 degree Celsius in March. After a brief rest, the temperature again started rising on March 28.

According to a Duke University study, the heat-humidity combination costs India 259 billion labor hours per year.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a heatwave is declared over the plains, coastal areas and hilly areas when the maximum temperatures are above 40°C, 37°C and 30°C respectively and by 4°C above the normal average. be up 5 degrees. If the temperature rises more than 5-6 degrees above normal then it is called a severe heatwave. “Due to northerly winds, we can expect a slight relief of 2-3 degrees over the northern regions between April 1 and 3. They are relatively cold compared to the westerly winds that we are currently experiencing,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice president, meteorology and climate change, Skymet Weather.

After April 3, westerly winds are likely to move over Northwest and Central India as the Anti-Cyclone, which is currently over Arabian Sea, will gradually shift towards Southwest Rajasthan. “The shift will result in westerly and southwesterly winds from Balochistan, Pakistan and Thar Desert which will be dry and hot. They will cause increased temperatures and subsequent heatwaves. After April 3, a second heatwave is forecast over northern India and will continue over central and western parts of the country,” Palawat said.

The mercury was also seen rising in the north-west plains, paving the way for a heat wave like situation. Instead of rain and snow, warm weather was felt in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

“There is a possibility of heat wave conditions over Northwest, Central and West India during the next 4-5 days. However, the intensity of the heat wave spell will reduce over Northwest India from April 1,” the IMD said in a tweet on Thursday. As per IMD’s monthly outlook for temperature and rainfall in April, most parts of North West and Central India Above normal temperatures are likely to occur in the U.S. and some parts of Northeast India. Average rainfall over the country is most likely to be normal to most areas of North-West and Central India and some parts of North-East India. Less rain likely.

No respite from rising temperatures is expected before the second week of April. “By the end of the second week of April, we can say that some pre-monsoon activities may take place, which may bring some relief from the scorching heat,” Palawat said.

The primary reason for the ongoing heatwave is the lack of pre-monsoon rainfall in March.

“Generally, Delhi-NCR receives an average of 15.9 mm of rainfall in March. This year the month was dry and the first fortnight of April could be the same. Persistent dry weather results in high insolation, which increases the temperature,” Palawat said.