Heat Wave Conditions In North India Less Likely Amid Surge In Thunderstorm Activities: IMD Scientist

New Delhi: Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) scientist, Soma Sen Roy, has said that the chances of heatwave conditions in North India are less likely to happen amidst an increase in thunderstorm activities. Speaking with ANI, Soma Sen Roy said, “Yesterday (April 26), we observed thunderstorm activities, especially in North-West India… There have been quite strong winds blowing. In states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, we witnessed hailstorm activities.”

The scientist explained that due to these thunderstorm activities, the chances of heatwave conditions are less likely to happen. She said,

Due to these thunderstorm activities, there is a drop in temperature and there can be a decrease of 4 degrees to 5 degree Celsius and therefore, the chances of heatwave conditions in North India are less likely to happen.

Also Read: Climate Change Will Cost Global Economy USD 38 Trillion Every Year By 2050, Finds Study

The IMD official said,

There have been strong dusty winds… and therefore, we issued an orange alert… Day after tomorrow, there will be a rise again in thunderstorm activities in the plains which will again lead to the issue of orange alert in Punjab and Haryana. In western Himalayan region, the orange alert will continue.

Ms Roy further added,

Yesterday, there were a lot of thunderstorm activities. Even Delhi witnessed 50 kmph winds. Thunderstorms and heavy rains are likely to continue over Jammu & Kashmir and western Himalayas and that is why an orange alert has been issued.

However, Soma Sen Roy said that in East Uttar Pradesh, there are chances of heatwaves.

Talking about the heatwave conditions in India, Ms Roy said,

If you look at the conditions of heatwave, you will see that East India, Gangetic West Bengal, and Odisha face more severity. The severity means that the temperatures can reach above 45°C to 47°C… This situation has been observed in West Bengal and Odisha for the past several days. In such a situation, we believe that there will be a red alert for some days in the Gangetic parts of West Bengal and Odisha.

“If we talk about Eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand and Southern regions like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Raiseema, Konkan… These areas will continue to witness heatwaves for the next two to five days,” she added.

Meanwhile, IMD on Friday predicted thunderstorms, hail and rainfall in 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh during the next 48 hours.

IMD Shimla predicted,

Thunderstorms with lightning, hail and strong wind (30-40kmph) are very likely at isolated places over Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Una during the next 48 hours.

Also Read: Heatwaves Do’s and Dont’s: Tips To Cool Yourself This Summer

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which in its Season 10 is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In a world post COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental well-being, self-care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.