Weather Update: While the northeastern part of India cotinues to witness thunderstorms and rainfall, the India Meterological Department on Monday warned of a longer number of heat wave days this summer in many areas of central, northern plains, and southern India. The weather office on Monday said that the worst impact of heat waves in April is predicted for Gujarat, Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Odisha, west Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking to reporters at a virtual press conference on Monday, Director-General of India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that the maximum temperature between April and June is likely to remain above normal, as reported by NDTV.
The IMD said that two to eight days of heat waves are expected in many areas of central India, northern plains, and south India. Twenty-three states have prepared action plans to meet any situation owing to the heat wave, it said. Above-normal temperature is likely to persist over central India and western peninsular India.
According to the IMD, the poor will face the biggest impact of the heat wave, as reported by NDTV. The IMD urged the authorities to take proactive measures as prolonged periods of extreme heat can strain infrastructure such as power grids and transportation systems.
"To address these challenges, it is imperative for authorities to take proactive measures," the IMD said. "This includes providing access to cooling centres, issuing heat advisories, and implementing strategies to alleviate urban heat island effects in affected areas," the IMD said, as quoted by NDTV.
Rainfall Likely To Continue Over Northeast India: IMD
The IMD said that enhanced rainfall and thunderstorm activity are likely to continue over Northeast India till April 7. It further stated that heat wave conditions are likely to prevail over parts of central and peninsular India during April 3-5. On Sunday, the weather office issued an 'Orange Alert' and forecast “heavy to very heavy” rainfall across several states of the northeast over the next five days.
In a bulletin, IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati issued the alert for Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh for Sunday. The states are likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning and heavy to very heavy rain accompanied with gusty wind at speeds of 30-40 km per hour, it said. For the next four days, the RMC issued a 'Yellow Alert' for these states.
In case of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, the weather agency issued 'Yellow Alert' for Sunday and Monday, but withdrew the warning thereafter.
India Predicted To Experience Extreme Weather This Year: Kiren Rijiju
Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju said on Monday that India is likely to experience extreme weather conditions this year, starting at the end of April and coinciding with the general elections, making it crucial for all stakeholders to prepare in advance.
"We are anticipated to experience extreme weather conditions in the upcoming two-and-a-half months. This also coincides with the general elections in which around a billion people are expected to exercise their franchise," the minister said at a press conference, as quoted by PTI.
The BJP leader said he had a useful meeting with stakeholders in view of the upcoming elections amid the prediction for extreme heat. All stakeholders, including state governments, have made elaborate preparations, he said. "It is going to be very challenging for all of us. Since we are the most populous country in the world and face extreme weather conditions, it makes it absolutely necessary for India to prepare in advance," he said, as quoted by PTI.