Heatwave Alert Issued In South India Until May 6, Telangana Adjusts Polling Hours Due To Heat

The highest maximum temperature, reaching 46.2°C was recorded in Nandyal (Rayalaseema).

The IMD also anticipated isolated to scattered rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across various regions from May 3 to 8, including Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted ongoing heat wave conditions in southern Peninsular India until May 6 followed by a gradual decrease. Severe heat wave conditions have been observed in isolated areas of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, with heat wave conditions in pockets of Odisha, Telangana, Interior Karnataka, and Rayalaseema. The highest maximum temperature, reaching 46.2°C, was recorded in Nandyal (Rayalaseema).

The IMD predicted that heat wave conditions are likely to continue over south Peninsular India till May 6 and abate thereafter. 

The IMD said: "Heat Wave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed in some parts of Gangetic West Bengal and in isolated parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Heat wave conditions in isolated pockets of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Interior Karnataka and Rayalaseema." 

On Friday, according to IMD, highest maximum temperature of 46.2°C was reported at Nandyal (Rayalaseema) over the country while warm night conditions prevailed in isolated places over Rayalaseema.

The IMD also anticipated isolated to scattered rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across various regions from May 3 to 8, including Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema.

The IMD said, "Isolated to scattered, light to moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm & lightning over Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal and Kerala & Mahe during 03rd–08th; over Telangana and Karnataka during 06th–08th May, 2024. Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala on 07th May."

Maximum temperatures in the range of 44-47°C likely to continue over Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Telangana and Rayalaseema till 03rd May and decrease thereafter, it said.

As a result of the heatwave-like condition, Election Commission changed the timing of polling in Telangana. 

Telangana Changes Polling Time

The Election Commission has extended polling hours in several assembly segments of Telangana for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on May 13, citing the hot summer and heatwave-like conditions prevailing in the state. Polling will now take place from 7 am to 6 pm, extending the earlier schedule of 7 am to 5 pm.

The intense summer heat has also hindered political parties in Telangana from conducting outreach programs, door-to-door campaigns, and public rallies during the early morning or evening hours.