IMD Paints Delhi Yellow! Heatwave and Rainfall Predictions Inside

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow advisory on Monday, warning of a heatwave in areas of Delhi, despite the country having already been subjected to scorching temperatures for months. The minimum temperature was 31.6 degrees Celsius, which was four degrees more than usual. The high temperature was expected to be around 43 degrees.

The lack of severe western disturbances and constant hot and dry westerly winds have been blamed by weather experts for the prolonged heatwave. For months, the country has been subjected to scorching temperatures. According to experts, a break from the sweltering heat is expected between June 15 and 16. Here's a rundown of IMD color codes, projections, and the heatwave in general:

When the human body is subjected to a heatwave, the temperature rises to dangerous levels. It's also based on a region's temperature threshold, either in terms of actual temperature or deviation from normal. It is defined in certain nations as a heat index based on temperature or humidity, or as the extreme percentile of temperatures.

What do red, yellow, orange, and green colors mean?

For weather warnings, the IMD uses four-color codes: green (no action required), yellow (watch and remain updated), orange (be prepared), and red (take action).

Relief is expected by the middle of June, according to the forecast. Due to an onslaught of hot and dry westerly winds, northwest India has been experiencing a heatwave since June 2. From June 15-16, weather experts predict a significant reprieve. On June 15-16, scattered to moderately widespread rainfall and thunderstorms are expected across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, east Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi due to the influence of new and lower-level easterlies, according to the IMD. Starting Tuesday, maximum temperatures in northwest India are expected to drop by two to three degrees Celsius.

Maximum temperatures are expected to be "below-normal to near-normal" between June 16 and June 22, according to an extended range forecast. "There will be no substantial heatwave over any portion of the country this week (June 16-22)," it stated.

Monsoon Predictions

In terms of the monsoon, the IMD predicted that conditions will remain favorable for the monsoon to advance into further regions of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar during the following four days. 

It is expected that the heavy rains over the west peninsular coast will last for another two days, according to the report. The current rainy spell in the northeast and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim is expected to last for another five days, according to the National Weather Service.