NEW DELHI, April 30 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a 2-3 degrees Celsius rise in maximum temperatures across northwest India until 2 May, followed by a sharp 3-5degC drop between 3 May and 6 May. In central India, temperatures may ease by about 2degC through 1 May, with little change thereafter.

The IMD also expects isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40-60 kmph) over the Western Himalayan region, the plains of northwest India, and adjoining parts of central India during 3-6 May.

Heatwave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Vidarbha on 1 May and in west Rajasthan on 2-3 May. Hot and humid weather is expected in parts of Odisha on 1 May; similar conditions are likely over Tamil Nadu,...