New Delhi: Large parts of India grapple with scorching heat and oppressive humidity as maximum temperatures soar to 45 degrees Celsius, straining power resources and triggering health advisories from governmental bodies.
In response to the searing heat, authorities in Jharkhand have suspended classes up to 8th grade.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts persistently hot conditions in eastern India until May 1st and across the southern peninsula for the next five days.
A red alert has been issued, cautioning of extreme heat in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha over the next two to three days, with an orange warning in place for areas in Telangana, Karnataka, and Sikkim.
On Monday, temperatures soared to 45.4 degrees Celsius in Kalaikunda and Kandala, 45 degrees Celsius in Nandyal (Andhra Pradesh), 44 degrees Celsius in Sheikhpura (Bihar), and 44.8 degrees Celsius in Baripada (Odisha).
Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions prevail in sections of West Bengal, Gujarat, Bihar, Sikkim, Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, according to the IMD.
A heatwave is declared when maximum temperatures reach at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius in coastal areas, and 30 degrees Celsius in hilly regions, with a departure from normal of at least 4.5 notches. A severe heatwave is declared if the departure from normal exceeds 6.4 notches.
The IMD has warned of the risk of heat illness and heatstroke in areas under a red alert, while areas under an orange alert may witness heat illness in individuals exposed to the sun for prolonged periods or engaging in heavy work.
High humidity levels could exacerbate discomfort in Assam, Tripura, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka over the next five days, according to the Met office.
This ongoing heatwave spell is the second of this month, with heatwave conditions persisting in Odisha since April 15th and in Gangetic West Bengal since April 17th.
Warm nighttime conditions are anticipated in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka over the next five days, posing risks as the body may not adequately cool down during sleep.
The prevailing but diminishing El Nino conditions had earlier prompted the IMD to forecast extreme heat during the April-June period, coinciding with the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
With four to eight heatwave days expected in different parts of the country in April, and ten to twenty anticipated in the entire April-June period, regions such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar may experience an elevated number of heatwave days.
The intensifying heat could strain power grids and lead to water shortages in various parts of India.
Looking ahead, global weather agencies, including the IMD, anticipate La Nina conditions to develop later in the year, potentially influencing the monsoon season and agricultural productivity in the country.
