Weather Alert: IMD Predicts Heatwave And Hailstorms In Several States

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heatwave conditions in several states, including Andhra Pradesh and the Yanam coastal regions, Gangetic West Bengal, Rayalaseema, Bihar, Telangana, Jharkhand, north interior Karnataka, Odisha, and Vidarbha for Saturday.

Also, the weather department has issued a hailstorm alert for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh for April 7 and 8.

The IMD has also identified regions experiencing above-normal temperatures.

India is expected to face extreme heat during the April to June period, with the central and western peninsular parts bearing the brunt, according to the India Meteorological Department. This coincides with the mammoth seven-phase general elections starting April 19.

Speaking at a press conference, Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju stated that India is likely to experience extreme weather conditions over the next two-and-a-half months, coinciding with the general elections, where around a billion people are expected to vote.

"It is going to be very challenging for all of us. Since we are the most populous country in the world and face extreme weather conditions, it makes it absolutely necessary for India to prepare in advance," he said.

With a greater number of people exposed, there is an increased risk of heat wave-related health issues among voters and poll staff, he noted.

The IMD chief highlighted that above-normal maximum temperatures are expected over most parts of the country in the April-June period, with a high probability over central and western peninsular India.

Above-normal heatwave days are anticipated over most parts of the plains during this period. Ten to 20 days of heatwave conditions are expected in different parts of the country, compared to the normal 4 to 8 days, he said.

Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience the most severe impact of heatwaves, Mohapatra stated.

The intense heat could strain power grids, impact winter-grown crops, and lead to water shortages in parts of India.