The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): India is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures in many areas soaring above 45 degrees Celsius. This extreme weather has led to widespread discomfort and significant strains on both power grids and water supplies.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for imminent extreme heat in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha, expecting the scorching conditions to persist for the next few days. Additionally, an orange warning has been announced for Telangana, Karnataka, and Sikkim, indicating serious heat risks.
On Monday, record temperatures were reported, including 45.4 degrees Celsius in Kalaikunda and Kandala, significantly above the seasonal average. The heatwave conditions have been particularly harsh in West Bengal, Gujarat, Bihar, Sikkim, Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.
A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius in plains, 37 degrees in coastal regions, and 30 degrees in hilly areas, with deviations from normal temperatures by at least 4.5 degrees. A severe heatwave is noted when this deviation exceeds 6.4 degrees.
Health warnings have been emphasized for regions under red alert, where heat illnesses and heatstrokes are a significant risk. Those in orange-alert areas are also advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure and heavy physical activity.
The humidity accompanying the heat is expected to increase discomfort in several states including Assam, Tripura, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka over the coming days.
This current heatwave marks the second major episode in April, with consistent high temperatures affecting various parts of the country. The IMD also notes that, due to the ongoing El Nino, this year’s pre-monsoon season might experience more frequent and intense heatwaves.
Additionally, the IMD anticipates that La Nina conditions, which typically bring more rainfall, will develop later this year, potentially alleviating some of the current dry conditions by the monsoon season, which is crucial for India’s agriculture and water reservoir replenishment.