Northern India on alert for scorching heat wave set to last into June

Following multiple outbreaks of deadly thunderstorms, a dangerous heat wave will grip northern India through the end of the month.

As high pressure builds over the region, thunderstorms will be suppressed across northern India, including the NCR, into next week.

This resurgence of heat will once again put millions of residents at risk for illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

A lack of cooling thunderstorms will result in widespread daily high temperatures in excess of 40 C (104 F) from Hyderabad to Nagpur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and New Delhi.

The hottest days will feature widespread high temperatures near or above 43 C (110 F), creating dangerous conditions for anyone spending time outdoors. In some locations, temperatures will surpass 46 C (115 F).

Temperatures across the NCR will dip to 26-28 C (78-82 F) by the end of the night before quickly soaring after sunrise. Buildings without air conditioning will not be able to cool.

If you are planning to be outdoors for an extended period, be sure to drink plenty of water and try to avoid extended exposure to the heat during the hottest time of the day.

Another concern will be the duration of this heat wave as cooling thunderstorms will largely be limited to northeastern and southern India into early next week.

"Friday and Saturday may bring another late-day shower or thunderstorm to parts of the NCR," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said. "However, any drop in temperature will be temporary with temperatures set to soar once again the following day."

Outside of any rainfall, gusty winds can whip up blowing dust which can create hazards for motorists.

This pattern could hold until the arrival of monsoon rain, meaning dangerous heat would grip some areas for another month before lasting relief arrives.

In addition to the heat, residents will have to contend with the poor air quality, which is a common problem this time of year.

While northeastern India will avoid the most intense heat into next week, daily thunderstorms will bring the risk for frequent lightning and flooding downpours.

The monsoon rain will get underway across southern India by early June, but lasting relief from the heat is not expected to reach northern India until late June.

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