India heatwave maintains its grip. by Sean Batty
The heatwave that we reported on earlier in the week across northern India has maintained its grip and has also been an ingredient in stirring up some stormy weather over the past 24 hours.
Temperatures have still been into the low to mid 40s Celsius for many of the northern states since the weekend, with the capital city, New Delhi, reaching at least 39C (102F) every day since the 25th of April. The average temperature for the city at this time of year is around 31C (88F), making the past few days several degrees above average.
Last night a moist air blew in across the north of the country colliding with the very warm air creating storms. Dust storms swept through many parts and squalls (strong winds associated with thundery showers) destroyed nearly 100 hutments in villages of Punjab and a large number of trees and poles were uprooted in Ludhiana, Phagwara and Kapurthala. Major roads were blocked and many towns plunged into darkness due to power cuts.
The Met Office forecast that there will be some rain over the coming days for many northern and eastern states of India including, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and eastern parts of Rajasthan. Cloud and rain will mean temperatures may be a few degrees down on the last few days, bringing some welcome relief.
Despite this cooling news, the government decided to bring the school holidays, which were due to begin on the 15th of May, forward to the 11th of May to allow the children to stay at home in the shade.
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