New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised alarms across Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha with red alerts, signaling no respite from scorching temperatures in the next 24 hours.
In response to the IMD’s warning, authorities are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution, highlighting the heightened risk of heat-related illnesses and heatstroke in areas under the red alert.
Furthermore, regions including sub-Himalayan West Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Telangana, inland Karnataka, and Jharkhand are all under an orange alert issued by the IMD.
During periods of orange alerts, individuals are advised to minimize outdoor activities and avoid strenuous physical exertion to mitigate heat-related risks effectively.
Forecasts indicate high humidity levels persisting in Assam, Tripura, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka over the next five days. The IMD, in a statement dated April 30, reiterated the likelihood of sustained heatwave conditions in south peninsular India over the ensuing five days.
Bengaluru, in particular, anticipates a prolonged dry spell until May 5, with temperatures soaring to around 37 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours, as reported by media outlets.
The prolonged heatwave conditions in certain regions of India could strain electricity systems and exacerbate water deficits, posing significant challenges to affected communities.
On the brighter side, the North East is poised to experience substantial rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds over the next three to four days, as forecasted by the IMD.
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Heatwave Zones in India
Annually, from March to June, and sometimes extending into July, the Core Heatwave Zone (CHZ) encompasses central, northern, and peninsular India between Gujarat and West Bengal, where heatwave conditions prevail.
Notable heatwave-prone states or regions include Telangana, segments of Gangetic West Bengal, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Vidarbha in Maharashtra.
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Criteria for IMD Heatwave Declarations
The IMD declares a heatwave when the average high temperature measured over two or more plains areas reaches 40 degrees Celsius or surges by more than 4.5 degrees Celsius above the average. Additionally, temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in hilly regions and 37 degrees Celsius in coastal areas prompt heatwave alerts.
In cases where temperature deviations surpass 6 degrees Celsius from the average, a severe heatwave designation is warranted.
