New Delhi, May 27: Above-normal rainfall is expected this monsoon season across the country in a much-needed respite from the heatwave sweeping the country, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) chief said at a media briefing on Monday. Director General of Meteorology, IMD, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, "The South West Monsoon rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 106 per cent of the long-period average with a model error of 4 per cent. Thus, above-normal rainfall is most likely over the country as a whole," Mohapatra said.

The forecast follows the prediction of above-normal rain this monsoon riding on favourable La Nina conditions, expected to set in between August and September. The weather office said that the heatwave across India will likely decline from May 30, warning of severe heatwave over northwest India over the next three days. India Weather Forecast: IMD Predicts Widespread Rain in Southern States, Heat Wave in North and East; Check Full Update Here.

The weather office had earlier issued alerts for Delhi and Rajasthan as temperatures soared to 50 degrees in certain areas. The scorching heatwave conditions continue in Rajasthan, with temperatures ranging between 45 and 49 degrees Celsius in most districts. Amidst the heat, people are coming out only when necessary, trying to protect themselves from the heat.

The biggest problem is faced by employees engaged in delivery work. They are forced to go out in the scorching heat. People venturing out in the afternoon can be seen covering their bodies to protect themselves from the sun. There will be no immediate relief from the intense heatwave and warmer nights in the next two to three days, a senior official of IMD's Rajasthan Meteorological Centre said on Monday. India Weather Forecast: IMD Predicts Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall in These States in Next Few Days, Check Details.

Radheshyam Sharma, Director, Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, said the maximum temperature is unlikely to witness any significant change till May 29. The IMD has also said that heatwave conditions will continue during the next 48 hours in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh. According to the IMD scientist, Shimla recorded its highest temperature of 30.6 degrees in the last ten years. The IMD has issued an orange alert in most districts of the State.

As per the IMD, the mercury reached to 42.2 degrees in Bilaspur. While Hamipur recorded a maximum temperature of 41. 8 degrees against 42. 1 degrees on Sunday. In Kangra, the maximum temperature was recorded at 39. 2 degrees against 40.2 degrees on Sunday. While Dharamshala witnessed a maximum temperature of 35. 7 degrees on Monday against 35. 3 degrees a day ago.

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