Temperature crosses 45 degrees Celsius in capital and other states; IMD issues red alert for Delhi, Bihar and UP

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue in parts of Uttar Pradesh and certain portions of Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, and people throughout the country will have to suffer from high heat.

Let's take a look at these states' temperatures and alerts issued by the weather department.

Delhi on red alert

On Tuesday, the national capital recorded a low temperature of 33.8 degrees Celsius, which was six degrees higher than the seasonal normal. The weather agency predicts mostly clear skies and a scorching, with some extreme heatwave conditions and strong surface breezes.

The maximum temperature reported over Ayanagar (Delhi) on Monday was 46.4 degrees Celsius. 

On Monday, the IMD issued a red alert for Delhi and its neighbouring states, citing the region's ongoing heatwave. The weather agency had also warned that severe heatwave conditions will continue in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh till June 19.

However, according to IMD's seven-day prediction, the national capital will receive a minor reprieve beginning Wednesday.

The city is expected to be on yellow alert on Wednesday and Thursday while it will be put on green alert on Friday and Saturday.

Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand

According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are anticipated in isolated areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

"Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely over many parts of Uttar Pradesh and some parts of Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi on 18th June 2024 and heat wave conditions are likely over isolated places over Jammu division, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar and Jharkhand," IMD said in a post on X.

Bihar, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Haryana on red alert

"Western disturbance is expected over Bihar and Jharkhand from 18th or 19th June...South-westerly winds from the Arabian Sea may bring some moisture and associated relief over Punjab and Haryana from 18th or 19th June," IMD scientist Soma Sen told ANI.

"Red alert has been issued over Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. A thunderstorm-related orange alert has been issued for Madhya Pradesh," according to an IMD scientist.

Himachal Pradesh on orange alert

As the country experiences sweltering summer heat, even the normally cool Himachal Pradesh is not immune, with the IMD issuing an orange advisory for several areas of the state.
On Monday, the IMD projected heatwaves in Himachal Pradesh for the following two days. Certain sections have been issued an orange alert, while other portions of the state have received a yellow warning.

"There have been heatwave conditions in parts of the state during the past few days and is expected to continue during the next two days. In some parts of Una Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Sirmaur there are severe heatwaves. We have issued a Yellow alert and in some places, an Orange alert has been issued," said Hemraj Verma, Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh.

"An orange alert has been issued for Mandi, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Sirmaur. In most of the places, the temperatures are 6 to 8 degrees Celsius," Verma stated.

The heat wave in the hills is causing concern among tourists who sought respite from the heat in the mountains.

Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on June 13 recorded the highest temperature of the season, 30.6 degrees Celsius.

West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Jharkhand, Haryana, and northeast Madhya Pradesh are also experiencing significant heatwave conditions.

Northeast India

Meanwhile, IMD also issued a forecast predicting extremely heavy rainfall over North East India.

"In the next 3-5 days, extremely heavy rainfall (above 20 cms) is expected over North East India mainly Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur. Heatwave conditions are expected in North India," the IMD Scientist said.

With agency inputs