Extreme heat to ease across India this week

By Brian Thompson , AccuWeather meteorologist

By Adam Douty, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

The brutal, dangerous heat wave that has gripped much of northern India last week in the wake of Cyclone Fani will ease some heading into the new week.

Temperatures have soared to over 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in some spots across northern India this week.

The heat turned deadly with at least three deaths from sunstroke reported in Andhra Pradesh, according to OneIndia.

After a hot weekend, temperatures will return closer to average levels by early in the new week.

Spotty cooling thunderstorms will develop across northwest India as well.

"There will be a series of disturbances tracking across northwest India through the week that bring the threat of lightning, downpours and even dust storms as turbulent thunderstorms produce pockets of strong wind," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk.

The storms will be isolated in coverage, so not all areas will see rainfall. Areas that do see a thunderstorm will get a break from the heat.

Even in areas that do not see a thunderstorm, there will be some relief.

"The heat will be cut by these disturbances, and especially during any thunderstorm," Houk said. "The air quality can also temporarily improve as well."

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In New Delhi, where the temperature has soared to around 43 C (110 F) much of the past week, high temperatures will be closer to 38 C (100 F) by Wednesday and Thursday.

Even though temperatures will be somewhat lower, Houk cautions that "it will remain hot enough to cause health problems and on the whole, the air quality will remain an issue."

Drinking plenty of water, spending time in the shade and wearing light clothing will continue to be necessary. When possible, strenuous outdoor activity should be avoided during the hottest part of the day.

Download the free AccuWeather app to view the latest temperature forecast for your community.