IMD Raises Alarm Over Elevated Heat Wave Risk This Summer

IMD issues elevated heat wave risk

Entering April, the IMD has raised an alarm of elevated heat wave risk this summer, issuing a hot weather warning for the next five days.

During a virtual press briefing on Monday, April 1st, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the Indian Meteorological Department, emphasized that India is likely to experience elevated temperatures from April to June, surpassing historical records.

He underscored that this heightened risk of heat waves will persist throughout the summer months. Additionally, the World Meteorological Organization, a branch of the UN, has issued warnings of severe heat waves across Asia, including India, as temperatures soar beyond typical levels.

The IMD forecasts a high likelihood of extended heatwave durations lasting 10 to 20 days, compared to the usual 4 to 8 days, over the next three months. Additionally, dryness and water shortages will contribute to the overall heightened heat predictions for this summer season. With median daytime temperatures projected to rise by 2-4°C, the risk of elevated heat waves will persist in numerous areas of Maharashtra, Rayalseema, Telangana, as well as isolated locations in central and eastern India.

On Monday, April 1st, maximum temperatures exceeded the 95th percentile in various regions, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, and Marathwada. Considering the onset of El Nino, pre-monsoon rainfall across India is poised to decrease, leading to arid conditions, particularly affecting regions in South India.

With temperatures ranging around 40-42° C, Nandyal in Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh, recorded the country’s highest maximum temperature, along with several isolated areas in West Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, East Rajasthan, East Madhya Pradesh, Gangetic West Bengal, Telangana, Konkan, Goa, North Interior Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.

The hot weather warning issued by IMD for the next 5 days (1 April-5 April)