North India will continue to experience thunderstorms and heat for the next five days. Tragically, in Rajasthan, a mother and daughter lost their lives when a tree uprooted by a thunderstorm struck them. In Maharashtra, eight individuals have died in rain-related incidents, leading to significant property damage. Additionally, ten districts in Madhya Pradesh have been issued warnings for rain accompanied by thunderstorms.
Some areas in Delhi witnessed light rain on Friday. The Meteorological Department predicts a potential heat wave lasting five days in Eastern India, Uttar Pradesh, and Northeast Madhya Pradesh. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are anticipated in North West India over the weekend. Although temperatures in these regions have slightly decreased in the last 24 hours, they still range between 42-44 degrees Celsius.
Orai, Uttar Pradesh recorded a scorching maximum temperature of 45.2 degrees. The Meteorological Department has identified the formation of a cyclone in the upper atmosphere of North West Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, leading to the influx of moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea. Consequently, ten districts are at risk of rain and thunderstorms.
Additionally, an orange alert for heavy rain has been issued in three districts of Kerala and a yellow alert for rain in five other districts. Meanwhile, Srinagar experienced rain, with snow covering the mountains of Gulmarg. Temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir have dropped due to recent thunderstorms and rain.
The valley's weather has become more pleasant, with daytime temperatures decreasing by 6 to 8 degrees in most districts. Nights are cooler, providing relief from the scorching heat. Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 38.6 degrees and a minimum of 22.7 degrees Celsius. In Leh, the minimum temperature was recorded at 5.5 degrees Celsius. A recent study by 'Climameter' revealed that this year's May heatwave in India was 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than previous years.
Climate scientists and researchers warned about the escalating temperatures posing a threat to human life. They attributed the severe heatwave to the El Niño phenomenon and the rising concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Experts cautioned that heatwaves in India could become increasingly hazardous due to climate change.
The Supreme Court issued a stern warning to Mumbai authorities, urging them to prevent incidents like the tragic Ghatkopar hoarding accident during the monsoon season. The court emphasized the need for strict measures to avoid similar accidents in the future, particularly on railway and municipal corporation lands. The matter is set for further consideration in the coming week.