Heatwave across parts of India

Over the past few weeks, parts of northern India have been left reeling from an intense heatwave. One of the worst affected areas is the province of Orissa in the northeast of the country.

At least 17 people have been killed by the heat as temperatures soared into the mid 40’s Celsius (110F). The recent heatwave has seen temperatures rise 7 or 8 degrees above normal for the time of year.

High pressure over the southern half of India has brought a steady flow of hot air from the sun-blistered central plains in the north across to the northeast. This air flow has allowed temperatures across inland and coastal Orissa to soar. Over the past few days, the area of high pressure responsible for the heat has slipped away eastwards, changing the wind direction. Temperatures across the northeast have fallen into the high 30’s Celsius (100F).

With another area of high pressure building, this time across the northern half of India, further heatwave conditions are likely. The highest temperatures this time are forecast across northwestern and central parts including Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

_{©BBC Weather}