By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist
By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
As the hottest days so far this year are being recorded across northern India and Pakistan, relief may not come until this summer's monsoon.
Extreme heat further intensified around India's National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday. Temperatures soared to the highest levels so far this year with a high of 40.8 C (105 F) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Temperatures reached 39.3 C (103 F) in the Safdarjung area.
Similar highs are expected for Saturday, and there are no signs of temperatures falling short of 38 C (100 F) daily into mid-April in the NCR.
"While highs have eclipsed 38 C (100 F) frequently in early April the last few years in the NCR, the long-term average high this time of year is closer to 33 C (lower 90s F)," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.
Dangerous heat will also continue to grip more of India, as well as Pakistan. Highs this weekend will range from 39-42 C (102-108 F) from Jaipur and Ahmedabad to Nagpur. Similar temperatures are expected in eastern Pakistan.
Temperatures may even reach or top 43 C (110 F) in the hottest locations of northwestern India and southeastern Pakistan, away from the coast.
"While actual temperatures may not be as extreme as the coastal areas of Mumbai and Goa with highs in the lower 30s C (lower 90s F), high humidity will create dangerously high AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures of around 38 C (100 F) during the midday hours daily into Saturday," Pydynowski warned.
After hitting 104 F (40 C) on the first of the month, temperatures in Karachi, Pakistan, are expected to remain unseasonably high this weekend with high temperatures of 35-38 C (95-100 F).
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"More locations across western and central India may endure highs at or above 43 C (110 F) during the middle to latter part of next week as the heat intensifies,"Pydynowski added.
"There may not be appreciable relief from the heat until the monsoon starts in June," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls. "Latest indications point toward departures from normal not being as high in late April, but typical heat may still bake the region."
In this Thursday, May 31, 2018, file photo, a monkey drinks water from a tanker on a hot summer day in Jammu, India. Intense heat wave conditions continue to prevail in Jammu with maximum temperature recorded above 40 degrees Celsius. (AP Photo/Channi Anand, File)
India endures lengthy heat waves each year prior to the arrival of monsoon rainfall, Pydynowski said.
It will be important for residents to take extra care in the heat, since many are not yet acclimated to these late springlike conditions. Drinking plenty of water, spending time in the shade and wearing light clothing will be necessary. When possible, strenuous outdoor activity should be avoided during the hottest part of the day.
Stagnant conditions contributing to the high heat will also result in dangerously poor air quality conditions. Face masks should be worn by anyone spending time outdoors. Children, the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiovascular health conditions should avoid spending time outside as much as possible.
More than 6,000 heat-related deaths have been reported in India since 2010, according to the Times of India.
Boys play in a water canal to cool off on a hot summer day in Jammu, India, Tuesday, May 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
While an isolated thunderstorm erupting amid the heat may dot northern and eastern India almost daily into next week, most areas will stay dry and any drop in temperature will be brief. These thunderstorms may also produce gusty winds, which can kick up blowing dust.
More widespread daily thunderstorms will keep temperatures from soaring to extreme levels in northeastern India and Bangladesh. However, sweltering high humidity can still put a strain on residents in Kolkata and Guwahati, as well as Dhaka in Bangladesh.
Some of the thunderstorms may also turn severe with flooding downpours, damaging winds and hail. Lightning will also endanger anyone who does not seek shelter during the thunderstorms.
Download the free AccuWeather app to view the latest forecast for your region.
"While actual temperatures may not be as extreme as the coastal areas of Mumbai and Goa with highs in the lower 30s C (lower 90s F), high humidity will create dangerously high AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures of around 38 C (100 F) during the midday hours daily into Saturday," Pydynowski warned.
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India endures lengthy heat waves each year prior to the arrival of monsoon rainfall, Pydynowski said.
While an isolated thunderstorm erupting amid the heat may dot northern and eastern India almost daily into next week, most areas will stay dry and any drop in temperature will be brief. These thunderstorms may also produce gusty winds, which can kick up blowing dust.
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