Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Apr 1: As the country is preparing to undergo the Lok Sabha elections in the next couple of months, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday warned of intense heat wave in many parts of the country with mercury showing above-normal temperatures from April to June.
The IMD cautioned that the central and western peninsular parts of the country were expected to witness heat waves. The IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said above-normal maximum temperatures were likely over most parts of the country during the April-June period, with a high probability over central and western peninsular India. Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh were likely to experience the worst impact of heat waves, Mr Mohapatra said.
Above-normal heatwave days are likely over most parts in the plains during this period. Ten to 20 days of heat wave are expected in different parts of the country against a normal of four to eight days, he said. The IMD identified Gujarat, Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and west Madhya Pradesh.
Above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in April, with a high probability over central south India. Normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are likely over some parts of the western Himalayan region and the north-eastern states in April, the IMD said. Gujarat, Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Odisha, west Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh are predicted to experience the worst impact of heat waves in April, it added.
Above-normal heatwave days are likely over many areas in central India and the adjoining areas of the northern plains and south India in April. Two to eight days of heat wave are expected in these regions against a normal of one to three days, according to Mr Mohapatra.
Twenty-three states have prepared action plans to meet any situation owing to the heat wave, the IMD said. Above-normal temperature is likely to persist over central India and western peninsular India. The poor would face the biggest impact of the heat wave, the IMD said.
During heat waves, elevated temperatures pose significant risks, especially for vulnerable people such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The IMD asked the authorities to take proactive measures as prolonged periods of extreme heat could lead to strain on infrastructure such as power grids and transportation systems.
“To address these challenges, it is imperative for authorities to take proactive measures,” the IMD said. “This includes providing access to cooling centres, issuing heat advisories, and implementing strategies to alleviate urban heat island effects in affected areas,” the IMD said.
Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju said the country was predicted to experience extreme weather conditions this year, starting at the end of April and coinciding with the general elections, making it crucial for all stakeholders to prepare in advance.
“We are anticipated to experience extreme weather conditions in the upcoming two-and-a-half months. This also coincides with the general elections in which around a billion people are expected to exercise their franchise,” the Union Minister said at a press conference. Mr Rijiju said he met with stakeholders in view of the upcoming elections amid the prediction for extreme heat.