IMD predicts heat wave in 4 states as temperature in some parts of Odisha soar above 44 degrees

Heat wave conditions very likely in isolated pockets over Gangetic West Bengal, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Bihar over the next few days, India Meteorological Department said in its latest weather forecast. In Odisha, the IMD's Bhubaneswar centre said, due to prevailing north westerly dry air and high solar insolation maximum temperature likely to be above 40 degrees in many places. Baripada in the northern part of the state was the hottest place in the state by recording 44 degrees Celsius while Sambalpur recorded 42.2 degrees. The IMD advised people to take precautionary measures if going outside during day times.

In the national capital Delhi, maximum temperature is inching closer to 40 degree mark. "Heat is on. May reach 40 degree in next couple of days. Take care keep yourself hydrated," Mahesh Palawat of SKymet tweeted.

The India Meteorological Department said that maximum temperatures are in the range of 40-42°C over many parts of central and east India; some parts of Peninsular and Northwest India.


These are above normal by 3-5°C over many parts of Gangetic West Bengal, some parts of Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam.

The IMD also said that maximum temperatures are very likely to be above normal by 3-5°C over some parts of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Kerala & Mahe, Jammu division, Punjab and North India during next 4-5 days.

Most of India will likely experience above-normal high temperatures between April and June, the national weather forecaster had earlier predicted.

A US weather forecaster this week predicted a 62% chance of the El Niño phenomenon developing in the Northern Hemisphere during May-July, and a strong chance toward end-year, likely compounding risks to crops across the globe.

Monsoon during the June-September season are likely to be 96% of a long-term average, according to the India Meteorological Department. Private forecaster Skymet had predicted a below-normal monsoon, saying rains may reach only 94% of the benchmark.

The shift to El Nino could also affect the monsoon in the second half of the season, according to the IMD. The event, triggered by warm water in the equatorial Pacific, is associated with drier conditions and reduced rainfall in India.