Introduction
The increasing temperatures across various parts of India have led to significant heat waves, impacting the daily lives of millions. This report, issued on May 29, 2024, provides a comprehensive overview of the current temperature scenario, heat wave conditions, and future forecasts. It aims to inform and prepare the public, emphasizing the necessary precautions to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat.
Observed Temperature Scenario
Maximum Temperature and Its Departure
On May 28, 2024, maximum temperatures ranged between 46-50°C in many parts of Northwest India and 42-46°C in several regions of West, Central, and East India. These temperatures were notably above normal, with deviations of 3-6°C over many parts of Northwest India and certain areas of Central and West India.
Key Observations:
- Highest Maximum Temperature: Churu in West Rajasthan recorded a scorching 50.5°C.
- Markedly Above Normal (5.1°C or more): Observed in parts of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, West Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
- Appreciably Above Normal (3.1°C to 5.0°C): Seen in Uttarakhand, East Rajasthan, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Vidarbha, Saurashtra & Kutch, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal.
- Above Normal (1.6°C to 3.0°C): Noted in the Gujarat Region, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam.
Minimum Temperature and Its Departure
Today’s minimum temperatures also indicated significant departures from normal levels.
Key Observations:
- Markedly Above Normal (5.1°C or more): Recorded in West Rajasthan, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and East Madhya Pradesh.
- Appreciably Above Normal (3.1°C to 5.0°C): Found in Odisha, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Vidarbha, Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, Konkan & Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam.
- Above Normal (1.6°C to 3.0°C): Seen in Madhya Maharashtra, Gujarat state, East Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rayalaseema, and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura.
Heat Wave Conditions
On May 28, 2024, heat wave to severe heat wave conditions were prevalent across several regions.
Key Regions Affected:
- Most Parts: Haryana, Chandigarh-Delhi, Punjab.
- Many Parts: West Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh.
- Some Parts: West Madhya Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan.
- Isolated Pockets: Jammu, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh.
Warm Night Conditions
Warm night conditions were observed in isolated pockets of Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and East Madhya Pradesh.
Percentile Temperature and Current Observations
At 1430 Hours IST on May 29, 2024, Prayagraj (East Uttar Pradesh) recorded the highest temperature of 47.8°C.
Wind Speed and Relative Humidity
Detailed observations of wind speed and relative humidity at 1430 Hours IST are crucial for understanding the overall climatic conditions, although specific values are not provided in this summary.
Maximum Temperature Forecast
Trends Over the Next Few Days:
- Northwest & Central India: Gradual fall in maximum temperatures by 3-4°C over the next 3-4 days.
- East India: Rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3°C over the next 3 days, followed by a gradual fall by 3-4°C.
- Maharashtra & South Peninsular India: Rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3°C over the next 3-4 days, with no significant change thereafter.
- Rest of the Country: No significant change in maximum temperatures expected.
Heat Wave Warnings for the Next 5 Days
Day 1:
- Severe Heat Wave Conditions: Likely in most parts of Punjab and Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi; many parts of Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan; some parts of West Madhya Pradesh; isolated pockets of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh.
- Warm Night Conditions: Likely in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
Day 2:
- Severe Heat Wave Conditions: Likely in some parts of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, and West Rajasthan; isolated pockets of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha; few parts of Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh; isolated pockets of Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh.
- Warm Night Conditions: Likely in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
- Hot and Humid Weather: Expected over Konkan & Goa.
Day 3:
- Heat Wave Conditions: Likely in few places over Punjab and Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi; isolated pockets of West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
- Warm Night Conditions: Likely in isolated pockets of Punjab and Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi.
Day 4:
- Heat Wave Conditions: Likely in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
- Warm Night Conditions: Likely in isolated pockets of Punjab and Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi.
Day 5:
- Warm Night Conditions: Likely in isolated pockets of Punjab and Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi.
Impact and Action Suggested
Yellow Alert Areas:
- Impact: Moderate temperature; heat is tolerable for the general public but poses a moderate health concern for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.
- Action: Avoid heat exposure, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose, cotton clothing, cover your head, and use a cloth, hat, or umbrella.
Orange Alert Areas:
- Impact: High temperature; increased likelihood of heat illness symptoms in those exposed to the sun for prolonged periods or doing heavy work. High health concern for vulnerable groups.
- Action: Drink sufficient water, even if not thirsty, use ORS, and homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk to stay hydrated.
Conclusion
The current heat wave scenario in India underscores the urgent need for awareness and preparedness to mitigate the adverse health effects of extreme temperatures. By adhering to the suggested actions and staying informed through reliable sources, the public can better manage the challenges posed by the ongoing heat wave conditions. For district-wise heat wave warnings and more detailed information, please refer to the provided links and QR codes.
Stay safe and stay hydrated.
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