This time the heat will be less than normal in the Gangetic plains, but the mercury will rise in these states

Giving information on Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department said that during the period from March to May, the number of heat waves in the Gangetic plains is likely to be below normal. But adjoining areas of West, Central and North-West India and some parts of Northeast are likely to see above normal temperatures.

Mercury will rise in these states

According to the Meteorological Department, maximum temperatures are likely to remain above normal in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, major parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas of Maharashtra. The India Meteorological Department said that there is a possibility of slightly above normal temperatures in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh in March. Minimum temperatures are likely to remain above normal over most parts of Northwest and West India.

What is heat wave

For plains, a heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5 degrees above normal. According to the Meteorological Department, a severe heat wave is declared when the normal temperature exceeds 6.5 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department also said that India has recorded 44 per cent more rainfall in the winter season. The country witnessed 18 incidents of heavy rain in 2021 and 2020 and 82 in 2019.