Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Large parts of North India are heading into an intense spell of summer heat, with the India Meteorological Department cautioning that temperatures are expected to remain unusually high across several states over the next few days.
The weather agency has warned that heatwave and severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and parts of central India until May 23.
Delhi is expected to remain one of the hottest regions, with the mercury forecast to rise close to 44 degrees Celsius this week, increasing discomfort levels across the capital.
Meteorologists said maximum temperatures in northwestern India could rise by up to five degrees by May 21 before stabilising through the following two days.
Several parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat have already reported extreme daytime temperatures, with readings crossing the 40-degree mark and touching as high as 45 degrees in some pockets.
The prolonged heat spell is likely to raise health concerns, particularly for children, senior citizens and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Officials have urged residents to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours, drink sufficient water and remain indoors wherever possible.
Hospitals and emergency health services have also been advised to remain prepared for a possible rise in heat-related cases such as dehydration, exhaustion and heatstroke.
While northern states brace for rising temperatures, isolated weather activity may bring some relief to hilly regions.
The IMD has predicted scattered rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in Jammu and Kashmir on May 19 and 20, while Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand could receive light showers between May 19 and 23.
In contrast, several northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura are expected to witness moderate to heavy rainfall over the coming days.
Weather experts noted that despite scattered rain activity elsewhere, most plains of North India are unlikely to see any meaningful relief soon, with dry and harsh conditions expected to dominate the week ahead.
