The satellite image released by IMD shows a huge cloud band extending over a large part of north and central India. Recent thermal infrared data from the INSAT-3DS weather satellite indicates strong development of rain-bearing weather systems across the Indian subcontinent.
The cloud belt can be seen coming from Pakistan, covering large parts across northwestern India through Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and parts of central India before moving over eastern India and the Bay of Bengal.
The national capital also recorded high temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius at various stations. However, Delhi residents got Some relief on Thursday as heavy rainThunderstorms and strong winds hit parts of the city.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the city, warning of moderate to severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, dust storms and isolated hailstorms. The Met Office said the current spell of rain and thunderstorms is expected to continue until May 31, news agency PTI reported.
Northern India is reeling under high temperatures
North India continues to experience extreme heat with temperatures rising steadily across the region. In Uttar Pradesh, Banda emerged as the hottest location, recording a scorching temperature of 47.5 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department.
It was followed by Jhansi with 46.5 degrees Celsius, while Orai recorded 44.8 degrees Celsius and Agra recorded 43.3 degrees Celsius. Kanpur witnessed temperatures reaching 42.2 degrees Celsius, while Aligarh recorded 42.8 degrees Celsius, according to IMD.
Other parts of the state also continued to experience sweltering conditions, with Hamirpur and Lakhimpur Kheri recording 42.2 degrees Celsius and 42 degrees Celsius, respectively. Prayagraj recorded 41 degrees Celsius, while Churk in Sonbhadra recorded 40.3 degrees Celsius.
Read also: Rain and thunderstorms forecast across J&K till June 5: IMD
In Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar topped the list as the hottest location with a temperature of 47.1 degrees Celsius. Churu recorded 46.5 degrees Celsius, closely followed by Kota and Pilani at 46.4 degrees Celsius. Alwar and Phalodi recorded 46 degrees Celsius each, while Jaipur recorded 45.4 degrees Celsius. Bikaner witnessed a high temperature of 45.3 degrees Celsius, Bhilwara recorded 43.7 degrees Celsius, and Ajmer recorded 42.3 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department.
IMD issues heavy rain alert for Uttarakhand
The IMD on Thursday issued a warning for Uttarakhand, predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail in several parts of the state on Friday, PTI reported.
“Light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and snowfall are likely at altitudes of 3,800 meters and above at most places across the state,” the IMD said in a statement.
Isolated places in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, heavy rain spells and gusty winds with speeds of 50 to 60 km per hour, gusting to 70 km per hour, the IMD said, PTI reported.
India to get weaker monsoon?
India is expected to have a slightly weaker monsoon 90 per cent compared to the previous forecast of 92 per cent predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in April.
The IMD notes that El Niño conditions may develop during the southwest monsoon, which may weaken rainfall in India. She also said that the Indian Ocean dipole over the Indian Ocean is currently neutral but may turn positive later this season. Meanwhile, the Madden-Julian Oscillation is in an active phase, which may affect short-term precipitation patterns.
