Heat wave warning issued for these 4 states: Check latest IMD forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning over Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.

According to the weather agency, heatwave conditions are likely in isolated pockets over Gangetic West Bengal during 13th-17th; over north coastal Andhra Pradesh & Odisha during 13th-15th April and over Bihar during 15th-17th April, 2023.

At present, the maximum temperatures is hover in the range of 40-42°C in parts of central & north peninsular India. These are above normal by 3-5°C over many parts of Western Himalayan region and Northeast India, West Bengal & Sikkim, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Kerala & Mahe.

Meanwhile, the maximum Temperatures are very likely to be above normal by 3-5°C over Northeast India, West Bengal & ikkim, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kerala & Mahe and Madhya Pradesh during next 4-5 days. These are likely to be above normal by 1-3°C over most parts of the rest parts of the country.

A heat wave is declared if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, at least 37 degrees in coastal areas and at least 30 degrees in hilly regions, and the departure from normal is at least 4.5 degrees.

Earlier this month, the Met office predicted above-normal maximum temperatures for most parts of the country from April to June, except parts of the northwest and the peninsular regions. Above-normal heatwave days are expected in most parts of central, east, and northwest India during this period.

In 2023, India experienced its hottest February since record-keeping began in 1901. However, above-normal rainfall in March kept temperatures in check. March 2022 was the warmest ever and the third driest in 121 years. The year also saw the country's third-warmest April since 1901.