IMD predicts fresh heatwave in eastern India

New Delhi

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a fresh heatwave beginning Thursday in eastern India, while rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to continue in the northwest and central regions for the next five days. The IMD also warned of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in the northeast until May 11. In Gujarat, heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds will persist until Thursday. While above-normal temperatures are expected across most of India this May, occasional thunderstorms may prevent the heat from reaching the extreme levels seen last year. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra noted that most of the country would experience normal to above-normal rainfall, with exceptions in some areas of the northwest, central, and northeast regions. The IMD also recorded 72 heatwave days in April, with above-normal heat reported in Rajasthan, Gujarat, east Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha.