Guwahati : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of hot and humid weather conditions across Assam over the next 48 hours, with daytime temperatures expected to remain significantly above normal in several parts of the state.

In an advisory issued on Monday, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Guwahati, said prevailing clear to partly cloudy skies coupled with strong solar heating are likely to push maximum temperatures 3°C to 5°C above normal levels. The weather office forecast that temperatures may exceed 35°C at several locations during the next two days.

According to IMD observations, Guwahati recorded a maximum temperature of 35.4°C on Sunday, while the minimum temperature on Monday morning stood at 25.8°C. Among the major weather stations in the state, Dhubri and Silchar emerged as the hottest locations, each registering a maximum temperature of 35.6°C. North Lakhimpur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 23.3°C.

Meteorologists attributed the uncomfortable conditions to a combination of elevated temperatures and high humidity levels, which are expected to persist across parts of Assam during the forecast period.

While the IMD stated that the prevailing heat is likely to remain within tolerable limits for the general population, it cautioned that vulnerable groups-including infants, elderly persons, pregnant women and individuals suffering from existing health conditions-could face increased health risks.

The department warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures may lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

In view of the prevailing conditions, the IMD has advised residents to take precautionary measures, including wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured cotton clothing, drinking sufficient water and avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak afternoon hours.

The advisory also urged farmers, construction workers and others engaged in outdoor activities to minimise prolonged exposure to the sun. Additionally, people have been cautioned against leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can rise rapidly.

Organisers of outdoor events, public meetings and rallies have also been advised to exercise caution and, where possible, avoid scheduling activities during the hottest part of the day.

Offering some respite, the weather department forecast a gradual decline in temperatures after the next 48 hours. Maximum temperatures across Assam are expected to drop by 4°C to 6°C, potentially bringing relief from the current spell of heat and humidity.

The latest advisory comes as several parts of Northeast India continue to experience fluctuating weather patterns ahead of the full onset of the southwest monsoon.