India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that heatwave conditions are likely in pockets over Himachal Pradesh, east Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Kutch and Madhya Pradesh on March 29 and 30; and Vidarbha and Odisha on March 30, 31 and 1.Severe heatwave affected Delhi on Sunday as the maximum temperature was 40.1 degrees Celsius (°C), 8°C above normal, which is also the highest March temperature after March 31, 1945.
As per IMD, heatwave is recorded when departure of the maximum temperature from normal is + 4°C to + 5°C or more for the regions where the normal maximum temperature is more than 40°C. Another criterion for IMD to declare heatwave is when departure of the maximum temperature from normal is + 5°C to + 6°C for regions where the normal maximum temperature is 40°C or less.
A cyclonic circulation is lying over the southeast Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, a low pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining the south Andaman Sea during the next 36 hours. It is likely to become more marked over the North Andaman Sea and the neighbourhood during the subsequent 24 hours. Under its influence, widespread rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty wind is likely over Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next five days.
