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Wednesday, 18 May 2022 | Pioneer

Scorcher

Monsoon has hit the Andamans but relief from the heatwave isn’t likely soon in the north

As the Capital continues to take a severe battering from hot and dry westerlies, the ongoing spell of heatwave may peak around Sunday with the maximum temperature predicted to settle around 48 degrees Celsius in many regions across Delhi-NCR and the northern plains, according to the weatherman. An orange alert has already been issued to caution people about the impending inclement weather conditions. To understand its seriousness, one must realise that the IMD uses four colour codes to issue weather warnings: Green (no action needed); Yellow (watch and stay updated); Orange (be prepared); and Red (action required). A ‘heatwave’ is declared when the maximum temperature is over 40 degrees Celsius and at least 4.5 notches above the normal; and, a ‘severe heatwave’ is declared when the deviation from normal temperature is more than 6.4 notches or if the maximum temperature crosses the 47-degree Celsius mark. Late last week, the heatwave had pushed the maximum temperature to an unbearable high of 47.2 degrees Celsius in the Capital. The rising mercury is somewhat of a threat, “moderate health concerns” it was termed, to vulnerable people —  infants, the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases.

The residents of the heatwave-affected regions should avoid direct exposure to the sun and wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose cotton clothes and cover the head using a turban, hat or umbrella. But, to slightly modify an old saying, when peak summer comes, can the monsoon be far behind? The southwest monsoon has already hit the Andamans and heavy rain is likely to commence “in the next four-five days” in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Sikkim. The onset of monsoon over the Andamans occurred a day later than the IMD’s prediction date. A cyclonic circulation over Punjab and Haryana on Monday and Tuesday, which would manifest itself in the form of a thunderstorm or dust storm, is slated to induce pre-monsoon activity which will provide some relief from the intense heat, according to weather forecasting websites. With scanty rains owing to feeble western disturbances, Delhi had recorded its second hottest April this year since 1951 with a monthly average minimum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius. In April, the Capital had received a miniscule 0.3 mm of rainfall against a monthly average of 12.2 mm. Going further back, March registered no rainfall at all against a normal of 15.9 mm. To its credit, the IMD had predicted in advance “above-normal temperatures” for May.

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