IMD Warns of Severe Heatwaves and Shares Evasion Methods

India experiences extreme heatwaves in certain states, especially during April to May. Globally, heat levels have increased for various reasons. India feels it even more because of current deforestation and depletion of the water levels. Pollution and corwd is surely another leading exmple of high heatwave which is experiened in India.

In a fresh set of warnings, IMD has predicted that the next two days could be severe for states such as Delhi, which may experience a severe heatwave. Moreover, a yellow alert has also been issued. States such as Gujarat have been issued with a red alert. A yellow alert has also been issued for areas such as Saurashtra and Kutch.

According to IMD, the highest temperature experienced by a state is Saurashtra, which experienced a temperature of close to 44 degrees Celsius. More than 21 cities in India have experienced temperatures of close to 42 degrees and above.

“Heat wave conditions very likely in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh on 07th; Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab during 07th-10th; Delhi on 07th & 08th; West Uttar Pradesh during 07th-09th; Madhya Pradesh during 08th-10th April Hot & humid weather is likely to prevail over coastal areas of Gujarat State and Konkan & Goa during 07th-09th April,” claims IMD sources.

Further heatwave warnings have been issued for Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The scorching heat is often regarded as buildup, which can be observed before the monsoon starts. The humidity levels reach high, and there is immense moisture in the atmosphere. Rajasthan also witnessed a sharp rise in the temperature, where Barmer was the first city that crossed the 45-degree mark.

Rajasthan further receives an orange alert, and for 8th and 9th April, along with a yellow alert for 11th and 12th April, as severe heatwave might impact the city and the livelihood. The IMD added, “Heat wave conditions likely over Rajasthan during 07th-10th April with severe heat wave conditions at isolated pockets during 07th-09th April,”

States such as Haryana and Chandigarh have also been added to the list of heatwave, and many experienced severe heat by the 10th of April. Till now, there have been no directives or suggestions from the IMD regarding what the monsoon season brings. The monsoon season arrives close to June and has a long tenure, depending on the locations. Coastal belts such as West Bengal and Maharashtra may experience a prolonged stay of the Monsoon; however, if the LWD winds do not align with the weather, the monsoon will impact right on time.

The year 2024 witnessed a sharp decline in the average precipitation rate, keeping people disappointed. However, this year, a lot of expectations have formed around IMD, and IMD equally expects a sufficient amount of rainfall this year. The agency also asked the citizens to keep themselves hydrated all the time and to ensure a dark colour cloth is being used to cover the face and hands. Also, they have asked people to not venture without areas as the chances of stroke increases.