Heat wave spell in east India to continue for 5 days

A searing heatwave gripped major parts of India with maximum temperatures ranging from 43 degrees Celsius to 46°C in many regions, especially East India.

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY

The India Meteorological Department on Sunday forecast severe heatwave spell over East India during the next five days.

In North India, Bulandshahar sizzled at 44°C and Jharkhand's Bhargora at 46 °C, according to IMD bulletin. Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and a few pockets of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Vidharbha have been experiencing heatwaves for the past one week.

"It will continue like this for another week. A severe heatwave condition will prevail over Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand and few pockets of Odisha," IMD said.

A heatwave is declared when temperature increases to 40°C in plains, 37°C in coastal areas and 30°C in hilly regions with a departure from normal of at least 4.5°C. A severe heatwave is declared with departures from normal of at least 6.5°C.