"Heatwave Conditions In North India Less Likely Amid Surge In Thunderstorm Activities": IMD Scientist

New Delhi [India]: Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD) scientist, Soma Sen Roy, has said that the chances of heatwave conditions in North India are less likely to happen amidst an increase in thunderstorm activities.

Soma Sen Roy said, "Yesterday (April 26), we observed thunderstorm activities, especially in North-West India... There have been quite strong winds blowing. In states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, we witnessed hailstorm activities."

The scientist explained that due to these thunderstorm activities, the chances of heatwave conditions are less likely to happen. "Due to these thunderstorm activities, there is a drop in temperature and there can be a decrease of 4 degrees to 5 degree Celsius and therefore, the chances of heatwave conditions in North India are less likely to happen," she said
The IMD official said "There have been strong dusty winds... and therefore, we issued an orange alert... Day after tomorrow, there will be a rise again in thunderstorm activities in the plains which will again lead to the issue of orange alert in Punjab and Haryana. In western Himalayan region, the orange alert will continue."

Roy further added, "Yesterday, there were a lot of thunderstorm activities. Even Delhi witnessed 50 kmph winds. Thunderstorms and heavy rains are likely to continue over Jammu & Kashmir and western Himalayas and that is why an orange alert has been issued."

However, Soma Sen Roy said that in East Uttar Pradesh, there are chances of heatwaves.
Talking about the heatwave conditions in India, Roy said, "If you look at the conditions of heatwave, you will see that East India, Gangetic West Bengal, and Orissa face more severity. The severity means that the temperatures can reach above 45°C to 47°C... This situation has been observed in West Bengal and Orissa for the past several days. In such a situation, we believe that there will be a red alert for some days in the Gangetic parts of West Bengal and Orissa."

"If we talk about Eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand and Southern regions like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Raiseema, Konkan... These areas will continue to witness heatwaves for the next two to five days," she added.

Meanwhile, IMD on Friday predicted thunderstorms, hail and rainfall in 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh during the next 48 hours.

"Thunderstorms with lightning, hail and strong wind (30-40kmph) are very likely at isolated places over Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Una during the next 48 hours," IMD Shimla predicted.