May 17, 2024: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast warning of a severe heatwave expected to grip Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana between May 18 and 20. The IMD also anticipates similar conditions across northern India and Bihar over the next five days as the summer heat intensifies nationwide.

According to the IMD, temperatures in northwest India and Gujarat are predicted to rise by two to three degrees Celsius in the coming days. This increase is attributed to the reduced impact of western disturbances, which typically bring cooler weather and rainfall to the region. M Mohapatra, director general of the IMD, explained that the absence of rain and the subsidence of hot air, caused by an anticyclone over northwest India, are contributing to the heating surface.

Soon, there will be advection of hot air towards UP and Bihar also. Conditions will remain very hot for the next seven days,Mohapatra said.