The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in several districts of Telangana over the next five days, with temperatures expected to cross 44°C in parts of the State on May 29 and May 30.

According to the special heatwave bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre, Hyderabad, districts including Adilabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Kumram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nalgonda and Suryapet are likely to witness severe heat conditions, with mercury levels crossing the 44°C mark at isolated places.

The forecast stated that Adilabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Khammam are expected to record temperatures above 44°C on May 29, while Kumram Bheem Asifabad and Mancherial are also likely to experience similar conditions on both May 29 and May 30. Nalgonda and Suryapet are expected to touch temperatures above 44°C on May 30.

In Hyderabad, temperatures are likely to remain between 36°C and 40°C for most of the forecast period, but may rise to between 41°C and 44°C on May 29. Similar conditions are expected in Medchal-Malkajgiri and Rangareddy districts.

Several north and eastern districts including Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Nizamabad and Nirmal are also expected to record temperatures between 41°C and 44°C during the next four days.

The IMD said heatwave conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated pockets in Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Khammam districts on May 29. On May 30, the warning extends to Nalgonda and Suryapet districts as well.

However, even as the State braces for intense heat, the weather department has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph in several districts over the coming week.

On May 29, thunderstorms are likely at isolated places in Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Rangareddy, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Medak, Kamareddy, Hanumakonda, Warangal, Jangaon, Siddipet, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Khammam, Nalgonda and Suryapet districts.

Thunderstorm activity is also expected to continue till June 3 in different parts of Telangana, particularly in northern and central districts.

The IMD defines a heatwave as a situation where the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C in plains and records a departure of 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal. Severe heatwave conditions are declared when the departure exceeds 6.4°C or when the actual maximum temperature reaches 47°C or more.

The department advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during afternoon hours, stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.