India splits into two weather worlds on May 23: searing heatwaves above 45 degrees Celsius in the north, and heavy thunderstorms in the south and northeast. (Photo: PTI)

Heatwave in North India, heavy rain in South: Tale of two extremes on Saturday

India faces a weather split on May 23, with severe heatwave conditions gripping Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and the northwest plains even as heavy rain and thunderstorms lash the south and northeast.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Severe heatwave likely across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan on May 23.
  • Heavy rain and thundersqualls are expected over Bengaluru, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Northeast India is to receive very heavy rainfall with gusty winds tomorrow.

Step outside in Delhi tomorrow and the air will hit you like a wall of fire. Step outside in Bengaluru, and you may want an umbrella.

India on Saturday, May 23, is a country of two weathers, one burning, one drenched, and the India Meteorological Department has warnings out for both.

FIRE IN THE NORTH

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) will remain firmly in the grip of the heatwave.

The IMD has forecast maximum temperatures in the range of 43 to 45 degrees Celsius for the capital, with the minimum hovering between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius.

Strong surface winds, gusting to 40 kilometres per hour, are expected during the day. There is also a possibility of thunderous development in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

A scorched street in Delhi under hazy skies as the capital braces for another day of heatwave conditions, with temperatures expected to touch 45 degrees Celsius on May 23. (Photo: PTI)

The situation is no better in the broader northwest. Severe heatwave conditions are very likely in several pockets of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

In East Uttar Pradesh, temperatures have already touched 47.6 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded in the country in the past 24 hours.

Warm night conditions, where minimum temperatures remain far above normal, will also persist in isolated pockets of Uttar Pradesh and Vidarbha.

SOAKING IN THE SOUTH AND NORTHEAST

The picture is dramatically different in peninsular India. Bengaluru and surrounding areas can expect heavy and isolated very heavy rainfall during the evening and night hours.

Thundersqualls, with winds gusting up to 70 kilometres per hour, are likely over interior Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema.

Heavy rain and thundersqualls expected over Bengaluru, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu on May 23. (Photo: PTI)

Kerala and Lakshadweep will see widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds.

Isolated heavy showers are also likely over Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, the northeast will bear the brunt of the season's most intense rainfall. Very heavy rain is forecast for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

The IMD advises people in heatwave zones to avoid prolonged exposure to the Sun, wear loose, light-coloured clothing, and drink plenty of water.

Those in rain-affected areas should stay indoors, avoid sheltering under trees, and unplug electrical appliances during thunderstorms.

- Ends