Gradual 2–4 °C temperature drop expected after days of scorching heat, with thunderstorms to bring further relief in eastern parts.
New Delhi, June 12:
After enduring relentless high temperatures across Northwest India, a gradual cooling trend is expected to begin from June 14, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Several regions, including West Rajasthan, have been battered by severe heatwave conditions, with isolated locations reaching extreme highs.
According to IMD data, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, recorded the country’s highest temperature among the plains at 48.0 °C. Other areas experiencing heatwave conditions include Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of East Rajasthan, South Uttar Pradesh, and Northwest Madhya Pradesh.
The IMD’s temperature outlook remains largely unchanged for Northwest and Central India over the next three days. However, a gradual drop of 2–4 °C is likely thereafter. East India can expect a 2–3 °C relief following the next 24 hours, with stable conditions to follow. Rest of the country should see no notable temperature shifts.
IMD official Radheshyam Sharma noted that Western Rajasthan—particularly Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Bikaner—will continue to endure severe heatwave conditions, including highs over 47 °C, for the coming 3–4 days. He added that strong southwestern winds with dust are forecast over the next 2–3 days.
Eastern Rajasthan may see thunderstorm activity from June 15–16, bringing further relief. A temperature dip is expected between June 18–20, correlated with these forecast storms.
Temperatures recorded Wednesday across Rajasthan included:
- Sri Ganganagar: 48.0 °C
- Bikaner: 45.1 °C
- Barmer: 44.2 °C
- Churu: 45.8 °C
- Phalodi: 45.8 °C
- Jaipur: 44.4 °C
- Kota: 45.1 °C
Orange alerts were issued on June 10 for Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh, while yellow warnings covered Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli, and Dholpur.