The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a shift in weather conditions across Northwest India, with heatwave conditions expected to ease over the next three days due to incoming western disturbances and easterly winds, alongside warnings of thunderstorms, strong winds and hailstorms in several regions.

According to the IMD, maximum temperatures that have been hovering around 45 degrees Celsius or above are likely to drop sharply between May 28 and May 30, bringing much-needed relief to several northern and central states.

Most parts of Jharkhand are likely to get respite from heatwave conditions over the next five days, as the maximum temperature could drop by up to four degrees Celsius, officials said on Thursday.

The India Meteorological Department has also issued an 'orange alert' (be prepared) for thunderstorms in 20 districts till May 30, they said.

"The maximum temperature already fell by one to two degrees Celsius in several parts of the state during the past 24 hours. It is expected to decline further by up to four degrees Celsius during the next two days," said Abhishek Anand, Deputy Director, Ranchi Meteorological Centre.

Delhi-NCR may finally get some much-needed relief from the intense heat and heatwave conditions that have persisted over the past few days, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and rain.

According to the IMD, Delhi-NCR is expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall on May 28, with wind speeds likely to reach up to 50 kmph.

Reports suggest that the national capital may experience very light to light rainfall during the afternoon, along with thundersqualls and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph. Similar weather conditions have also been predicted for the evening hours. The IMD has advised residents to stay alert and keep themselves updated about changing weather conditions, especially as similar alerts have been issued for neighbouring states as well.

At present, temperatures in Delhi remain significantly high. The Safdarjung weather station recorded a maximum temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature remained around 26 degrees Celsius. Although no major change in temperature is expected immediately, the IMD has forecast a drop of 5 to 7 degrees Celsius after May 29, which is likely to provide considerable relief from the scorching heat.

In addition to rainfall, thunderstorms are expected to affect several parts of the city over the next few days. The IMD said such weather activity could disrupt normal life and advised residents to exercise caution during periods of intense wind and rain.

(IANS)

Global average temperatures are likely to continue at or near record levels this year and for the next four years afterwards, the United Nations warned Thursday.

The 11 hottest individual years ever recorded all happened from 2015 onwards and the UN's weather and climate agency said the trend was set to continue, with a new hottest-ever year "likely" before 2031.

(AFP)

At least 11 people have died in the past 24 hours in Maharashtra's Nagpur under suspected heatstroke conditions as the city continues to reel under an intense heatwave.

The temperature in Nagpur has been recorded above 45 degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days. Most of the deaths occurred during the peak afternoon heat, raising suspicion that they were caused by heatstroke.

The severe heatwave has also led to a rise in the number of unclaimed bodies in hospitals across the city. In the past three days, a total of 14 bodies have been recovered, of which 11 were found on Wednesday alone.