NEW DELHI: Maximum temperatures across northwest India are expected to rise gradually by 2–4°C over the next week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. The increase is likely to affect states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh from April 20.According to news agency ANI, the IMD said Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 198 at 8 am on Monday. Weather experts have forecast a fresh western disturbance from April 23, which may bring some relief from the heat.Several regions across northwest, central and east India are likely to witness intense heatwave conditions over the next few days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. The rise in temperatures is expected to affect states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh from April 20.According to the IMD advisory, heatwave conditions are likely in east Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and east Madhya Pradesh from April 20 to 23; in Jharkhand on April 20 and 21; in west Uttar Pradesh from April 20 to 22; in west Rajasthan from April 20 to 23; and in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh over the same period. The weather department has issued a warning for heatwave conditions in isolated pockets of West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha for April 20. Additionally, East Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and East Madhya Pradesh are expected to remain under the grip of a heatwave from April 20 to 23.Jharkhand is likely to experience heatwave conditions on April 20 and 21, while west Uttar Pradesh may see similar weather until April 22. West Rajasthan is expected to face a prolonged heatwave from April 20 to 23. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Odisha may be affected between April 21 and 23.The IMD said maximum temperatures are likely to rise by 2–4°C across northwest India, while east Uttar Pradesh may see little change. Hot and humid conditions are expected in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, coastal Karnataka and Gangetic West Bengal until April 25. Warm night conditions may persist in Odisha and Haryana.Relief is likely from April 23, when a fresh western disturbance is expected to affect the region. Meanwhile, a heat wave-like situation continues to prevail across Chhattisgarh, with the temperature in Raipur crossing 43°C, causing intense heat conditions across several parts of the state, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Central Chhattisgarh amid rising temperatures. According to meteorologists, the state has witnessed a significant rise in temperature over the past week, intensifying heat stress conditions. Meteorologist Dr Gayatri Vsaid the region has recorded a notable increase in temperature levels and cautioned that the prevailing heat conditions are likely to persist for the next few days.Dr Vani said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for central Chhattisgarh due to rising temperatures. She added that some relief is expected in the coming days, though only a slight dip in temperature is likely.Authorities have urged residents to follow safety guidelines and take precautions during the heatwave.Hot and humid conditions are expected in Odisha from April 18 to 23; Gangetic West Bengal from April 19 to 23; coastal Karnataka and Tamil Nadu from April 18 to 21; and Kerala, Mahe, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam from April 18 to 19.The IMD has also warned of warm night conditions in isolated parts of Odisha between April 18 and 20, advising people to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat.Earlier, the IMD said parts of northwest India may witness rainfall and snowfall, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, along with thunderstorms and strong winds. Hailstorms are also likely in parts of Jammu and Kashmir.(With agency inputs)
