(ANSA) - NEW DELHI, APRIL 11 - The unusual heat wave that has been gripping northern India for the last two weeks shows no sign of abating.
The IMD, India Meteorological Department, predicts that maximum temperatures will remain steady at an average of 40 degrees over the next fifteen days.
"The prolongation of the heat wave is an anomalous phenomenon," says meteorologist Mahesh Palawat, vice president of the Skymet Weather agency.
"In the past, these waves lasted no more than 4.5 days and were interrupted by thunderstorms. But forecasts show that there will be no respite."
Throughout last week, the highs were six to ten degrees above the seasonal average in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.
Furthermore, since the beginning of March, the whole of India has suffered from a worrying decrease in rainfall, equal to 46%, with a risk of drought that could cause serious damage to agriculture.
(HANDLE).