IMD warns of severe heatwave in six states; several Himachal towns sweltering at above 40 degrees Celsius

The northern plains of India will continue to swelter as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)has predicted severe heatwave conditions in six states.

Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh will continue to experience rising temperatures till May 28, as per the latest IMD weather bulletin.

Additionally, a heatwave is expected in Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh until May 30 and in Madhya Pradesh and Jammu until May 29.

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In Gujarat and Bihar, hot and humid weather conditions are likely to persist till May 31 and 28, respectively.

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“Warm night conditions in isolated pockets very likely to prevail over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi during May 27–31 May;Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on 27 and 28 May," Met department said in an official X post.

Heatwave alert in Himachal Pradesh

The hill towns of Himachal Pradesh, which are typicallyknown for having cooler climates, are also experiencing increased daytime temperatures. As the mercury soars, many plain regions of the state are set to see severe heat conditions.

The capital recorded the season’s highest hottest day on Sunday at 30.6° C, while the mercury remained high at 30.4° C on Tuesday. Dalhousie recorded 27.6° C, Chamba 40.2° C, Dharamshala 35.7° C, Kullu 37.5° C, Narkanda 25.6° C and Mashobra 29.7° C.

Various towns famous for vacations in summer surpassed their usual temperatures in May. In Shimla, the daytime temperature has consistently been recorded above the seasonal norms, causing concern among residents and tourists alike.

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Low-lying regions of the state, like Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur districts are experiencing a severe heatwave. Kangra recorded a temperature of 30.9° C, Hamirpur 41.8° C, Bilaspur 42.2° C, Sundernagar 39.8° C. Una was the hottest with 44.4° C.

The meteorological office has predictedthe heatwave to continue for the next four days

“No large change in maximum and minimum temperature was observed during the last 24 hours, while average minimum temperatures were above normal,” the Shimla meteorological office director Surender Paul said.

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“The meteorological department has forecasted a heatwave for the next four days. We have directed the administration to keep a close tab on the heat wave conditions; so far no written direction has been issued,” Additional Chief SecretaryRevenue Onkar Sharma said.

Local authorities have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours and use protective measures such as hats and sunscreen when outdoors.

(With inputs from agencies)