IMD predicts isolated heatwave conditions in parts of India from April 13

The Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) has predicted isolated heatwave conditions in Northwest and East India between April 13 to April 19.

"Now, northwest India and most parts of central India are seeing dry conditions. The thunderstorms have stopped and we are not expecting any Western Disturbance. Now, temperatures are near normal but since dry conditions are expected to continue, heat will rise and a heatwave may set in over isolated parts of northwest and east India after a week," Hindustan Times quoted IMD scientist Naresh Kumar as saying.

According to the IMD, interior Maharashtra, north interior Karnataka, interior Odisha and Telangana are expected to witness maximum temperatures in the range of 38-40 degree Celsius. However, northwest India, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are predicted to have below-normal temperatures by 2-3 degree Celsius.

Normal temperature is predicted in the rest parts of the country.

"There will be a gradual rise in temperatures now. Some weather activity is still continuing over central and west India. During the next two days, temperatures will be normal and above normal thereafter. After five to seven days, isolated heat wave conditions may develop over northwest India and towards the third week of April, over Delhi," the daily quoted Mahesh Palawat, vice president, climate and meteorology, Skymet Weather, as saying.

Centre lists 'dos and don'ts' for protection against heat wave
As part of a national action plan on heat-related illness, the Union Health Ministry has advised citizens to avoid high-protein food and cooking during the peak summer hours besides asking them to not get out in the Sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm.

In its advisory released last month, the ministry has also asked people to drink sufficient water whenever possible, even if not thirsty. It has also asked people to use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and consume homemade drinks like lemon water, buttermilk/lassi, fruit juices with some added salt and stay indoors in well-ventilated and cool places. Residents have also been advised to consume fresh fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, lemon, and orange, wear thin, loose, cotton garments preferably light coloured ones, cover head using umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional head gears during exposure to direct sunlight and not go out barefoot.

The ministry further urged citizens to listen to the radio, read newspaper and watch television for local weather news and also track the IMD's website. It has asked people to watch out for symptoms of "heat stress" which include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, extreme thirst, decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine, and rapid breathing and heartbeat.

It said citizens should call on 108/102 immediately if they find someone with high body temperature; and is either unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating. "Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicle. Temperature inside a vehicle could get dangerous," the advisory read. "Block direct sunlight and heat waves: Keep windows and curtains closed during the day, especially on the sunny side of your house. Open them up at night to let cooler air in.

"If going outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to cooler times of the day i.e., morning and evening," it stated. The advisory also mentioned a list of "vulnerable population which includes infants and young children, pregnant women, people working outdoors, people having mental illness, people who are physically ill especially with heart disease or high blood pressure and people coming from cooler climate to hot climate.