India, May 17 -- New Delhi

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday predicted a prolonged spell of heatwave over the next week, with the maximum temperature predicted to touch 44 degrees Celsius (degC) and strong surface winds to prevail. However, it did not immediately issue a colour-coded alert.

The IMD has forecast heatwave conditions across several northern states and Union territories, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, from May 18 to May 22, as temperatures across northwest India are expected to rise gradually by 3-5degC until May 20.

"Maximum temperatures over Delhi are expected to remain above normal during the coming days, and heatwave conditions are likely to develop from May 18," an IMD official sa...