New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): As March wraps up, India’s weather is turning up the heat, with temperatures soaring well above 40°C in several regions, leaving the nation feeling like it’s already deep into summer. The blistering heat, which typically begins to rise after Holi, has come early this year, catching many off guard.

The Meteorological Department has already issued an alarming forecast for April, predicting that the heat will reach record-breaking levels. But it's not all bad news—there’s also a rain alert in place for certain states, providing a potential break from the intense heat.

Strong Winds Provide Temporary Relief, But Heat Persists

In the past 24 hours, powerful winds swept across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam, offering a short-lived relief for those braving the sun. However, the winds haven’t done much to cool the relentless heat. Over in West Bengal, the winds have been scorching, and record-high temperatures keep getting smashed daily. Recently, Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), Chandrapur (Maharashtra), and Sambalpur (Odisha) recorded a blistering 42°C, setting new temperature records.

Thunderstorms and Rain May Offer Some Relief

The good news? The Meteorological Department predicts a low-pressure system stretching from Chhattisgarh to Tamil Nadu, along with cyclone activity in the Bay of Bengal and Nagaland, could bring thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning to states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu until April 3. So, there’s hope for some rain in these regions.

There’s also a lightning warning for parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland on March 31, with more lightning expected across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh between April 1 and April 3.

Prepare for Rising Temperatures Ahead

As if the current heat isn’t enough, the Meteorological Department has warned that North West India will experience a temperature spike of 5 to 7 degrees starting April 3. The temperatures in Gujarat and Bihar are expected to rise by 2 to 3 degrees until April 1 as well, pushing already high temperatures even higher.

As the mercury climbs and the summer heat begins to set in, residents in affected areas should stay alert and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. While the upcoming rainstorms may offer brief moments of relief, the overall outlook remains sizzling hot.

The Uttam Hindu

The Uttam Hindu

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