Summer is here! 1st heatwave alert issued in Konkan and Kutch regions for the next 48 hours

Summer seems to be knocking at the door of many places around the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a heatwave warning for the next 48 hours in the isolated coastal regions, specifically, the Konkan and Kutch areas of Gujarat. It has been predicted that the maximum temperature in these areas will hover between 37-39 degrees, the weather department said.

''We have issued statements in the last few days about the temperature reaching between 37 and 39 degrees celsius in the west coast or Gujarat region, so isolated heat waves may prevail in the coastal region. We have issued a heatwave warning for the next two days in the Konkan and Kutch region except for the Western Himalayas where there is no significant variation,'' IMD Scientist Dr Naresh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

It is noteworthy to mention that earlier a climatologist and weather historian has predicted that a record heat wave will hit India this year with unprecedented temperature levels recorded this time of the year. Accuweather.com has also predicted temperatures soaring to 40 degrees on multiple days in February for Bhuj. The India Meteorological Department has however predicted a high of 39 degrees for Bhuj in the coming days.

Speaking to ANI, Dr Naresh,''Presently, one Western Disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from today. It will impact the weather in the entire Jammu and Kashmir region today and eventually start affecting Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from tomorrow, especially for the next two days.''

He further said that the Pathankot area in Northern Punjab is likely to get light isolated rainfall in two-three days.

''Maximum temperatures have been rising by 3-4 degree C over the western parts of the country. This condition is particularly intense over Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch, where in many places maximum temperatures are over 8 degrees above normal," he added.

According to IMD, though the national capital experienced moderate fog on Saturday morning, the highest temperature on Sunday is expected to reach as high as 31 degrees Celsius. The weather forecasting agency said that the daytime temperature across Delhi is set to rise over the next few days, reaching a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius.