Dangerous India heat wave to intensify across Delhi, NCR into this weekend
Heat wave conditions are expected to worsen across northern India, including the National Capital Region (NCR), starting on Thursday.
High temperatures briefly lowered below 38 C (100 F) on Sunday and Monday; however, the relief won't last as the hottest air of the year is set to build over northern India.
Sweltering heat will be felt from Thursday into the weekend, and may last into early next week across the NCR.
A man bathes his son on a hot afternoon in Mumbai, India, Monday, May 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
Daily high temperatures of 39-41 C (103-106 F) are expected through much of northern India during this time, including the NCR, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Indore, Nagpur, Lucknow and Patna.
The normal high temperature in New Delhi this time of year is around 33 C (92 F).
The hottest locations across northern India could see temperatures reach 43-44 C (110-111 F) any day from Friday through Monday.
While temperatures are forecast to remain below 38 C (100 F) in Kolkata through Friday, the city could have its hottest day of the year so far this weekend as temperatures approach 39 C (102 F) along with a high level of humidity that will make it feel even hotter.
Aside from an isolated thunderstorm, dry weather will prevail throughout northern India into this weekend; however, big changes are on the way.
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A powerful storm system set to hit the Middle East this weekend will track eastward next week and bring the risk for increased showers and thunderstorms and potentially bring an end to the heat wave across northern India.
As the storm arrives, there will be an increased risk for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, hail and dust storms.
Cooler air will arrive behind the storms and could bring an extended period of relief from the ongoing heat to northwest India that will perhaps spread eastward across the remainder of northern India.
Temperatures may fail to reach 32 C (90 F) across the NCR as early as Tuesday or Wednesday.
India endures lengthy heat waves each year prior to the arrival of monsoon rainfall; however, this heat has arrived earlier than normal in recent years, putting more people at risk for heat-related illnesses.
It will be important for residents to take extra care in the heat, since many are not yet acclimated to these late springlike conditions. Drinking plenty of water, spending time in the shade and wearing light clothing will be necessary. When possible, strenuous outdoor activity should be avoided during the hottest part of the day.
Stagnant conditions contributing to the high heat will also result in dangerously poor air quality conditions. Face masks should be worn by anyone spending time outdoors. Children, the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiovascular health conditions should avoid spending time outside as much as possible.
More than 6,000 heat-related deaths have been reported in India since 2010, according to the Times of India.
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