As heatwaves tighten their grip on various regions across India, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) offers a bleak outlook, indicating no relief in the foreseeable future.
With temperatures soaring as high as 45.6°C in several states, the nation braces for an extended period of scorching weather conditions. In its latest bulletin issued on Monday morning, the IMD warns that eastern and southern India are poised to endure heatwaves for at least another five days. Specifically, the agency highlights the likelihood of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions persisting in multiple areas, including Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and parts of Jharkhand until 1 May. Additionally, parts of Rayalaseema, interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh may experience heatwaves until 3 May, with Telangana feeling the heat from 29 April to 1 May, and Konkan on 29 April.
The forecasted maximum temperatures for Monday paint a grim picture, with readings expected to range between 42-45°C in certain parts of Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal, and 40-42°C over various regions of East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and others. This surge in temperatures, exceeding normal levels by 4-8°C in many areas, exacerbates the already intense heatwave conditions. Recent observations indicate widespread heatwaves and severe heatwaves across Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and other pockets since mid-April, with Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal bearing the brunt for several days consecutively.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts hot and humid weather in several regions over the coming days, including West Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Kerala, Mahe, coastal Karnataka, Telangana, and Konkan, among others. Moreover, the urban heat-island effect contributes to higher night temperatures in metropolitan areas, further intensifying the discomfort caused by the prolonged heatwave. As per IMD criteria, a heatwave is deemed when temperatures surpass certain thresholds, with severe heatwaves declared if the departure from normal exceeds specified levels. With no respite in sight, citizens are advised to take necessary precautions to combat the adverse effects of the scorching weather conditions gripping the nation.
