The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the return of severe heatwave conditions across northwest India, affecting regions including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. The heatwave is expected to commence today, May 16, and persist until Saturday, May 18.Regions to Experience Intense HeatHeatwave conditions are anticipated in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, West Rajasthan, Saurashtra, and Kutch in Gujarat, as well as Konkan and Goa, starting Thursday. According to the IMD, these conditions will continue over west Rajasthan from May 15 to 18, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, southern Haryana, and Bihar from May 16 to 18, and northern Madhya Pradesh and East Rajasthan on May 17 and 18.Relief and Return of Heat in RajasthanTemporary Relief ExpectedRadhe Shyam Sharma, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, indicated that western disturbances might provide temporary relief from the severe heatwave in Rajasthan for a day or two. However, the heatwave is expected to resume after May 15 or 16.Weather Changes Due to Western DisturbanceA fresh western disturbance is likely to impact the western Himalayan region starting May 17. This disturbance may cause dust storms and thunderstorms with gusty winds (30-40 kmph) in isolated areas of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, strong surface winds (30-40 kmph) are expected to prevail over the plains of south Rajasthan.Rainfall PredictionsModerate Rainfall in Northern RegionsIsolated light to moderate rainfall is expected in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand from May 17 to 19. This precipitation is attributed to the western disturbance affecting the Western Himalayan region from May 17.Wet Spell in Southern Peninsular IndiaIn southern Peninsular India, a wet spell with isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds is expected to continue until May 18. The southwest monsoon is also likely to advance into the South Andaman Sea, parts of Southeast Bay of Bengal, and Nicobar Islands around May 19.Alerts in Kerala and KarnatakaOrange and Yellow Alerts in KeralaThe IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Keralas Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts. A yellow alert is in place for eight other districts. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has advised against night travel to hilly regions and urged residents in downstream areas of rivers to be prepared for potential relocations due to excess water release from dams.Heavy Rainfall Expected in KarnatakaNorth interior Karnataka is likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall (64.5-115.5 mm) and squalls (50-60 kmph) on May 16, as per the IMDs forecast.
