New Delhi: India is bracing for sweltering heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts above-normal maximum temperatures during the April to June period, with central and western regions likely to bear the brunt. This forecast comes as the country gears up for the seven-phase general elections starting from April 19.
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of IMD, highlighted the likelihood of above-normal maximum temperatures across most parts of India during April to June, particularly in central and western peninsular India. However, normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are anticipated in certain areas of the western Himalayan region, northeastern states, and north Odisha.
Expecting an increase in heatwave days, Mohapatra cautioned that many parts of the plains could experience 10 to 20 days of heatwave conditions, compared to the usual four to eight days. Regions such as Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to be the hardest hit by these heatwaves.
Also Read: Viral Video Shows 16-Foot Python ‘Tree Hopping’ in Australian Backyard
April is forecasted to witness above-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country, especially in central south India. Conversely, normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are predicted for some areas of the western Himalayan region and northeastern states during this month.
The IMD further anticipates an increase in heatwave days in April, particularly in central India and adjoining areas of the northern plains and south India. These regions are expected to experience two to eight days of heatwave conditions, as opposed to the usual one to three days.
Areas including Gujarat, Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Odisha, west Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh are likely to face the brunt of heatwaves in April.
These weather forecasts coincide with the timeline of the Lok Sabha polls in India, scheduled to be held in seven phases between April 19 and June 1.
