The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of above-normal temperatures and increased heatwave days during the April to June period, particularly in central and western parts of the country.Â
According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Director General of IMD, most regions in the northern and central plains are expected to experience above-normal temperatures and frequent heatwave conditions. The western Himalayan region, northeastern states, and north Odisha, however, may see normal to below-normal temperatures.
The IMD predicts that various parts of India could face 10 to 20 heatwave days during this period, significantly higher than the usual four to eight days. Specifically, Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to be severely affected by heatwaves in April.
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra emphasized that these regions could experience two to eight heatwave days, compared to the typical one to three days.
It's worth noting that these weather conditions coincide with the period of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with vote counting slated for June 4.
