An unrelenting heatwave has gripped eastern India and portions of the southern peninsular region, persisting with temperatures soaring above 44 degrees Celsius in at least 13 locations. This scorching weather phenomenon has prompted health warnings from the government as parts of the country experience temperatures ranging from 43 to 46 degrees Celsius.
The intensity of the heatwave is particularly felt across regions of Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that this prolonged heatwave is expected to persist until May 5-7 before gradually diminishing.
According to the latest bulletin from the IMD, maximum temperatures have surged between 43-46 degrees Celsius in areas of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, while hovering between 40-43 degrees Celsius in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Marathwada, and north interior Karnataka, among others.
Forecast models suggest that above-normal maximum temperatures are anticipated across most regions of India in May, with a notable increase in the number of heatwave days projected over the northern plains, central regions, and adjoining areas of the peninsular region.
April recorded exceptionally high maximum temperatures in eastern, northeastern, and southern peninsular India, leading to advisories from government agencies and temporary suspension of in-person classes in schools by some states. Data from the IMD indicates that April 2024 witnessed more severe heatwaves compared to the previous year, which was already the warmest on record.
Looking ahead to May, forecasts predict around eight to eleven heatwave days in regions including south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Gujarat.
The prolonged heatwave in April over eastern, northeastern, and southern peninsular India was attributed to the absence of thunderstorms and the presence of an anticyclone at lower levels over the west central Bay of Bengal and adjoining eastern coasts. These conditions hindered the sea breeze from penetrating Odisha and West Bengal on most days, exacerbating the heatwave conditions.
