Amidst the ongoing heatwave across the country, Rajasthan experienced scorching temperatures, resulting in five fatalities due to the heatwave. Barmer recorded the highest temperature of the summer at 48.8 degrees Celsius, according to the Met Centre Jaipur. In Delhi, the maximum temperature slightly decreased but remained above normal for this time of year. Additionally, a severe cyclonic storm named ‘Remal’ is expected to hit West Bengal by Sunday evening.
Following Barmer’s record temperature, other cities in Rajasthan also experienced extreme heat, with Phalodi reaching 48.6 degrees Celsius, Fatehpur at 47.6 degrees Celsius, and several others above 47 degrees Celsius. In response to the heatwave, the IMD issued an ‘orange’ warning for Delhi-NCR from May 25-27, after previous days saw temperatures soar to about 45 degrees Celsius, prompting ‘red’ or ‘orange’ warnings.
The IMD forecasts mainly clear skies in Delhi on Friday, with surface winds reaching speeds of 20 to 30 kilometres per hour during the day. However, warm nights are expected at isolated places. In Kerala, heavy rainfall prompted the IMD to issue a red alert in two districts, indicating the possibility of over 20 cm of rain in 24 hours. Waterlogging occurred in low-lying areas of major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Thrissur.
Meanwhile, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are forecasted in parts of Andhra Pradesh from May 23 to 27. Rainfall is expected in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema. Additionally, a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is anticipated to intensify and reach Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts as a severe cyclonic storm named Remal by Sunday evening. This marks the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this pre-monsoon season.
