The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised a red alert for several states including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha, forecasting a heatwave for the next two to three days. Already grappling with intense heat, government agencies have issued health advisories, leading some states to suspend classes as a precautionary measure.
The latest weather bulletin from the IMD warns of "intensely hot conditions" persisting in eastern India until Wednesday, while the southern peninsular region is expected to experience high temperatures for the next five days. Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for parts of Telangana, Karnataka, and Sikkim.
Monday witnessed a heatwave in various parts of the country, including West Bengal, Gujarat, Bihar, Sikkim, Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Temperature records were broken in several cities, with Kalaikunda and Kandala in Andhra Pradesh registering a scorching 45.4 degrees Celsius.
Areas under the red alert are at risk of developing heat-related illnesses and heatstroke, prompting the IMD to urge extreme caution. Similarly, regions under the orange alert could see health issues arising from prolonged exposure to high temperatures or engaging in strenuous activities during the heatwave.
Over the next five days, high humidity is expected in Assam, Tripura, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka, further exacerbating the discomfort caused by the heat.
This marks the second heatwave in April, with Odisha experiencing heatwave conditions since April 15 and Gangetic West Bengal since April 17. The IMD predicts a higher number of heatwave days in April compared to normal, with certain areas facing the likelihood of more than 20 heatwave days.
The prolonged heatwave poses challenges such as strain on power grids and potential water shortages in various parts of the country, underscoring the importance of preparedness and precautionary measures to mitigate its impact on public health and infrastructure.
