New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for eight states over the next few days, warning of soaring temperatures in parts of Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Telangana. The maximum temperature is expected to rise by at least 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.
Specifically, the weather office has flagged a heatwave alert for Thane, Raigad districts, and certain areas of Mumbai from April 27 to 29. IMD scientist Sushma Nair attributes the temperature surge to an anti-cyclonic circulation over Thane, Raigad, and parts of Mumbai, as reported by PTI news agency.
This marks the second heatwave alert for Mumbai and surrounding regions this month, following severe hot weather on April 15 and 16, with temperatures in Navi Mumbai reaching 41 degrees Celsius.
According to the IMD bulletin, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions will persist in parts of West Bengal and Odisha for the next five days. Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, recorded a scorching maximum temperature of 43.8 degrees Celsius on Monday, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius until April 28.
In response to extreme weather conditions, the Odisha government had earlier ordered the closure of schools.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu will experience a heatwave on Tuesday, with similar conditions anticipated in Karnataka, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh from Tuesday to April 28.
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IMD scientist Naresh Kumar predicts temperatures could reach 44 degrees Celsius in eastern India over the next five days. He anticipates temperatures around 38 degrees Celsius in Delhi for the next 2–3 days, with spikes to 44 degrees Celsius across the eastern region.
On Tuesday evening, Delhi experienced a sudden change in weather, with heavy rain and thunderstorms leading to the diversion of at least 15 Delhi-bound flights.
Given the intense summer heat, the IMD advises people to take precautions, including avoiding prolonged exposure to heat, staying hydrated, wearing light-colored and loose clothing, covering the head, and scheduling strenuous activities during cooler times of the day.